Ranjan J. Rajapakse

Ranjan Jagath Rajapakse of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, following a courageous 18 year battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 71 years old. Ranjan was born on November 25, 1952 in Badulla, Sri Lanka. Having spent his childhood in Badulla, Ranjan attended the prestigious University of Peradeniya where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, made lifelong friends, and met his beloved wife, Nandani.
In 1980 Ranjan and Nandani immigrated to the United States, a country half a world away, but a place he would soon call home. Ranjan arrived in Brooklyn, New York where he completed a Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry from the College of Staten Island of CUNY, then went on to complete a second Master's degree in Organic Chemistry at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He and his family explored many different parts of the United States, calling Illinois, Arizona, California, and Massachusetts home in the 40 years since leaving Sri Lanka. One steady fact remained consistent no matter where he lived - Ranjan quickly became a pillar within the immigrant Sri Lankan community wherever he went. He was a loyal friend, helping many families adjust to their new life in the United States.
He spent the majority of his career working as a Chemist for Pfizer in San Diego, California. Eventually, he moved back to the east coast and resided in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife.
In addition to his career, Ranjan had a passion for teaching throughout his life. His former students will fondly remember him as "Ranjan Sir."
Ranjan's family was his utmost pride and joy. He leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 44 years, Nandani Rajapakse; his daughter and son-in-law Mahesha and Ritesh Darji of Wilmette, IL; his daughter Niroshi Rajapakse of Fall River, MA; his brother and sister-in-law Ajithlal and Nandani Rajapakse of Kandy, Sri Lanka; his sister Sunila Rajapakse of Colombo, Sri Lanka; his loving grandson Dilan (6), and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Wijesena and Anula Rajapakse, and his brother Sanath Rajapakse. His calming presence, dry sense of humor, and devotion to loved ones will be tremendously missed by all.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA followed by a Buddhist ritual service and family reflections at 12:00 noon.
Cremation services will be private.
A zoom link will be made available to view online for those who cannot attend.  Meeting ID: 774 127 817.  Password: 092165
Following services, an invitation will be extended to join t he family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at the Attleboro Elks Lodge, 887 South Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200