Born on December 30, 1937, in Ramke Chattha, Gujranwala, Harsaran Singh Bhatia was the son of the late Aya Singh and Durga Devi Bhatia. He and his family were relocated during India's partition, and settled in New Delhi. He married Raj Bhatia on August 5, 1966, and came to the United States to pursue graduate schooling shortly thereafter.
A lifelong learner with a true passion for education, Mr. Bhatia earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and physics from Punjab University in India. Once in the United States, he graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1968 with dual master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Physics. After graduating, he joined IBM in East Fishkill, New York, and rose to the status of Senior Technical Staff Member. In his prolific career at IBM, he authored more than 200 patents and was the recipient of numerous achievement awards before his retirement in 2001.
Mr. Bhatia was a devout Sikh and generously shared his religious beliefs with his community and family. He is a founding member of the Mid-Hudson Sikh Cultural Society, an establishment formed in 1969 for the congregation of the local Sikh community. This continues to grow and flourish today.
Family was always the most important staple of his life. Mr. Bhatia was the first of his family to emigrate from India to the United States. He paved the way for multiple members to join him here, and leaves behind a proud and accomplished family legacy. He is survived by his wife, Raj, of 54 years; his daughter Monica and her husband John Nicosia; his son Jasvinder and his wife Dyan; grandchildren Kiran and Ravin Bhatia, and Arjan and Neha Nicosia. He is also survived by brothers Narinder Bhatia and his wife Kulwant, and Satyapal Bhatia and his wife Gulbir; and sisters-in-law Surinder Kaur, Jasbir Kaur, and Prem Kochar. Predeceased by four brothers and two sisters, he also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Monday, February 15 from 9am to 11am at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A private funeral service for the family will follow. The family plans to hold a celebration of Mr. Bhatia's life at a date to be named in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mid-Hudson Sikh Cultural Society.
.
PLEASE NOTE: In compliance with NYS guidelines, social distancing and face masks will be required. Since capacity may be limited, all attendees should be prepared for potential extended waiting periods.