Raghunath D Weerasooriya's Obituary
Given the latest recommendations regarding Coronavirus precautions and the current limitations on public gatherings, the funeral services for Raghunath Weerasooriya will be private. A memorial service with visitation for family and friends will be rescheduled to a later date.
Raghunath DeSilva Weerasooriya (February 12, 1936 – March 13, 2020)
Raghunath (Raghu) was born in Sri Lanka in the seaside village of Gandara, to P.D.S. Weerasooriya, an accomplished Sri Lankan folk author, educator, and principal, and Podinona D. Wijesooriya. Raghu went to study at Ananda College in Colombo, Sri Lanka. While there, he was a skilled athlete, excelling in the country’s favorite sport of cricket. He continued his studies at the teacher’s college and later returned to Ananda College, where he was a beloved teacher among his students.
In the early 1970’s, Raghu had the great fortune of being selected as the country’s recipient of the National Science Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship enabled him to study at Temple University, where he furthered his education and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees. He returned the great gift of education given to him by Temple University as a teacher there for almost four decades.
Raghu never forgot his humble Sri Lankan roots and was always eager to lend a helping hand to former students and new families who immigrated to the United States to start their new lives, as he did himself many years prior. To the friends he made in the United States who were not familiar with Sri Lanka, he was proud to educate and share stories with them about his native land.
However, the greatest joy Raghu had was the care of his two granddaughters upon his retirement from Temple University in 2008. His granddaughters meant the world to him and he never missed their school events, dance recitals, birthdays, or family celebrations. He loved the time he spent with his family and he cherished that the most.
Raghu was a devout Buddhist and was very active with events with his local Buddhist Temples.
In his later years, Raghu was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He was lovingly cared for by his wife who worked selflessly to keep him well and out of the hospital. He passed peacefully in his home.
Raghu is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ranjini (nee DeSilva). He is also survived by his daughter Rushani, son-in-law Heath, and two granddaughters Maya and Nora Saltzman, as well as special friends, Marcus and Joyce Saltzman. Abroad in Sri Lanka, he leaves behind his family of two elder brothers, Mettananda and Arawinda, their spouses, and his younger sister, Chitra Weeraratne, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends spread near and far. He is predeceased by his eldest brother, Kamalananda.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Cinnaminson at a future date to be determined; please check back.
Donations in his honor can be made to: New Jersey Buddhist Vihara, 4299 NJ-27, Princeton NJ 08540.
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