Obituary for Vimal Shah
In loving memory of Vimal G. Shah
August 1, 1956 – February 26, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the unexpected passing of our dearest Vimal Shah, age 65, in his home in Groton, Connecticut.
The youngest of ten, Vimal was born in Zanzibar, Tanzania and spent his early life growing up in Africa and in Mumbai, India, where he was lovingly known as the “Don”. He emigrated to the United States in the early 1980s where he began to build a fulfilling life full of love and laughter. Once settled, he went back to India to marry his wife, Pratima Shah.
Together, they made the decision to settle in Groton, Connecticut where they eventually became the proud business owners of a franchise. They realized so many dreams together, and specifically, they built an architecturally unique and special home from the ground up to raise their three children in.
They welcomed their daughter Monica, and twin son and daughter Ginal and Gina shortly after marriage. Vimal loved his children fiercely, and they spent years growing up in the house they built watching thousands of movies and sports games, playing card games, carom, pool, and table tennis with their dad, whom they also loved fiercely. As a family, they enjoyed frequent visits to India, sharing amazing meals both at home and at Thai or Mexican restaurants, Superbowl parties with their friends, and spending time with their extended family. Vimal especially loved spending Thanksgiving with his family and New Years with his friends.
He recently welcomed his grandson, Zayan, a year ago, whom he especially loved to spend time with. Zayan loved his Nana, and the amount they laughed and played together will forever be a sight to behold. Whenever his Nana was around, Zayan was stuck to his side and Vimal made it clear just how proud he was of all his children and grandson.
Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Vimal radiated love and warmth in every room he entered, and that love will always be felt. His laugh was infectious, and you could not help but join in on the fun when he was around.
His brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, from the Shah and Doshi families equally remember him with fondness and love. Manher/Motabhai, Amrit/Bachubhai, Vasantbhai, Jasuben, Chandbhai, Kumarbhai, Danuben, Jayubhai, and Pankajbhai are his surviving older siblings, and they will always remember Vimal as their fun-loving, handsome younger brother. His family upon marriage Charuben, Meenaben, the late Nikhilbhai, Diptiben, Swatiben and Rupalben also have stories about Vimal that will carry through the test of time.
We are grateful to Vimal’s whole family and specifically thank Vinay and Bina Patel and Nayan and Dita Shah for their support.
Not a day will go by where Vimal’s family will not remember the kindness and generosity of his heart. His children will always remember his famous masala omelet and perfect blend of chai to start each morning strong. He took such care of everyone around him and never let a single person worry about him. The amount he gave to those around him will never be forgotten. Our hearts will always have a piece of him, and we will forever feel his presence with us. All his friends, cousins, siblings, nieces, nephews were able to count on Vimal to show up to every event and celebration. He was the life of every party, the first one on the dance floor, and the last one off. He was always seen rounding the family up for rousing cheers at the bar.
Vimal had the most fun celebrating each of his kid’s marriages. He found many reasons to celebrate with Ginal and Krupa, Monica and Ankit, and Gina and Ankur, and guests at each of their weddings still remember the warmth and love he emanated with every occasion.
We all salute Vimal and take comfort in knowing that he has found his peace.
He is survived by his wife, Pratima, his three children, Monica, Gina and Ginal, and his grandson Zayan.
Viewing will be held from 11:00-11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home located at 84 Montauk Ave, New London, CT. with services will immediately following. An interment ceremony will take place at Charter Crematory in Waterford, CT, at 12:30PM.
August 1, 1956 – February 26, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the unexpected passing of our dearest Vimal Shah, age 65, in his home in Groton, Connecticut.
The youngest of ten, Vimal was born in Zanzibar, Tanzania and spent his early life growing up in Africa and in Mumbai, India, where he was lovingly known as the “Don”. He emigrated to the United States in the early 1980s where he began to build a fulfilling life full of love and laughter. Once settled, he went back to India to marry his wife, Pratima Shah.
Together, they made the decision to settle in Groton, Connecticut where they eventually became the proud business owners of a franchise. They realized so many dreams together, and specifically, they built an architecturally unique and special home from the ground up to raise their three children in.
They welcomed their daughter Monica, and twin son and daughter Ginal and Gina shortly after marriage. Vimal loved his children fiercely, and they spent years growing up in the house they built watching thousands of movies and sports games, playing card games, carom, pool, and table tennis with their dad, whom they also loved fiercely. As a family, they enjoyed frequent visits to India, sharing amazing meals both at home and at Thai or Mexican restaurants, Superbowl parties with their friends, and spending time with their extended family. Vimal especially loved spending Thanksgiving with his family and New Years with his friends.
He recently welcomed his grandson, Zayan, a year ago, whom he especially loved to spend time with. Zayan loved his Nana, and the amount they laughed and played together will forever be a sight to behold. Whenever his Nana was around, Zayan was stuck to his side and Vimal made it clear just how proud he was of all his children and grandson.
Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Vimal radiated love and warmth in every room he entered, and that love will always be felt. His laugh was infectious, and you could not help but join in on the fun when he was around.
His brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, from the Shah and Doshi families equally remember him with fondness and love. Manher/Motabhai, Amrit/Bachubhai, Vasantbhai, Jasuben, Chandbhai, Kumarbhai, Danuben, Jayubhai, and Pankajbhai are his surviving older siblings, and they will always remember Vimal as their fun-loving, handsome younger brother. His family upon marriage Charuben, Meenaben, the late Nikhilbhai, Diptiben, Swatiben and Rupalben also have stories about Vimal that will carry through the test of time.
We are grateful to Vimal’s whole family and specifically thank Vinay and Bina Patel and Nayan and Dita Shah for their support.
Not a day will go by where Vimal’s family will not remember the kindness and generosity of his heart. His children will always remember his famous masala omelet and perfect blend of chai to start each morning strong. He took such care of everyone around him and never let a single person worry about him. The amount he gave to those around him will never be forgotten. Our hearts will always have a piece of him, and we will forever feel his presence with us. All his friends, cousins, siblings, nieces, nephews were able to count on Vimal to show up to every event and celebration. He was the life of every party, the first one on the dance floor, and the last one off. He was always seen rounding the family up for rousing cheers at the bar.
Vimal had the most fun celebrating each of his kid’s marriages. He found many reasons to celebrate with Ginal and Krupa, Monica and Ankit, and Gina and Ankur, and guests at each of their weddings still remember the warmth and love he emanated with every occasion.
We all salute Vimal and take comfort in knowing that he has found his peace.
He is survived by his wife, Pratima, his three children, Monica, Gina and Ginal, and his grandson Zayan.
Viewing will be held from 11:00-11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home located at 84 Montauk Ave, New London, CT. with services will immediately following. An interment ceremony will take place at Charter Crematory in Waterford, CT, at 12:30PM.