Mafabhai P. Patel

Mafatlal Punjaldas Patel, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away due to organ failure at the age of 86 in New Jersey on Friday, January 28th, 2022. He was born on April 1, 1935, to the family of Punjaldas and Rukhiben Patel in Dangarva, India. He was one of eight siblings. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college and work a professional job at AMTS (Ahmedabad Municipal Transportation Service). He started with an entry-level post making Rs. 110 per month and retired with the same company after holding his last position as the Chief Superintendent Officer. He was married to Dahiben Patel and a father to four children; Arvindbhai, Bhupendrabhai, Rekhaben, and Sharmilaben. He was known for his impeccable traits. His strong principles and honestly allowed him to be a great mentor for many including his children and grandchildren. His childhood passion for politics, cricket, art, and community service carried with him as he moved to the United States. He watched late-night cricket matches and Indian politics with his kids and grandchildren. He taught his great-grandchildren the basics of drawing and painting. He was a strong proponent of education. He encouraged his children to attend college as well as his grandchildren. He was a lifelong devotee to Swaminarayan Bhagwan and served Santos, Mandirs, and Acharyas until he physically and mentally could not. He will always be remembered as one of the founding members of Naranpura Swaminarayan Mandir. Through these traits, he even inspired his children to contribute to temples in the United States. Family was his priority. He always wanted to see everyone come together for family reunions. His wish was granted as he took his last breath with the majority of his family by his side. He will be survived by his wife, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Viewing and puja will be held on Friday February 4, 2022 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Leroy P. Wooster Funeral Home and Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ. Cremation will follow. A livestream of the service will be available to view via this link Livestream Link or by clicking on the tribute wall tab.