Krishnaji R. Damle

Krishnaji Ramachandra “Dada” Damle passed away in New Jersey on January 7, 2026 at the age of 97 after a brief bout of age-related illness. He had lived in New Jersey since 1994. 

Dada was married to his wife Jayashri (Tara) Damle for over three decades. He is survived by his sons Nitin and Rajendra, his daughter Anita, his daughter-in-laws Madhura and Swati, his son-in-law Vivek, and his 5 grandchildren Aalok, Rohan, Isha, Nikhil, and Sylee. 

Dada was born on October 9, 1928 to Ramchandra and Ramabai Damle in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The child of a young widowed mother in British colonial India, Dada had to work hard to attain his education. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Education. Prior to immigrating to the United States, Dada taught Marathi to generations of students initially at St. John’s School and later at St. Vincent’s High School, both in Pune. He took pride in teaching in a classroom and emphasized the importance of education to both his students and his family, even supporting his sister Kumud in becoming a teacher and encouraging his wife Jayashree to complete her education in her 50s. His lasting impact on his pupils is evident in his former students’ yearly visits to him in both Pune and New Jersey. 

In his later years, Dada valued his independence fiercely, living in his New Jersey home and maintaining his own routines even as his body slowed. He was a man of routine and valued his daily rhythms and the simple pleasures of home.  Dada was an active astrologer, and developed a computerized patrika system with his friend, Madhav Kale, that he utilized to provide readings to many people across the world. He authored a popular Bhavisya blog in Bruhan Maharashtra Vrutta, where many followers sought his sage advice. Dada was also the original editor of the Damle Kulvruttant (Genealogy), initially published in 1988-89 for which he toiled very hard for over 10 years. It has subsequently been digitized and revised to include new additions to the Damle Kul (families).

Having come from humble beginnings, Dada was very proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He will be missed by many. Dada will be remembered as a gentle presence, a dedicated father and grandfather, and a man who valued family above all else. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students he mentored and many more whom he guided in their difficult times and the love he shared.

Arrangements are under the direction of India Funeral Service. Funeral Service will be held at India Funeral Service 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869.  The viewing shall be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on January 12, 2026. Following the Viewing, Cremation shall be held at 12:30 PM at Somerset Hill Memorial Park 95 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. 

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates charitable donations of your choosing or calls from friends and loved ones during this time of remembrance.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

Om Shanti.

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