Obituary for Harshad C. Amin and Dedication to Friends, Family, Neighbors, Community,

Harshad Chimanbhai Amin, was born on February 14, 1938, in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026 after a long and resilient course through life. A Valentine’s Day baby in every sense, he carried charm, warmth, love of life and individuality throughout his years. Harshad was the eldest of six children born to Chimanbhai Morjibhai Amin (Vaso) and Nirmalaben R. Patel (Sojitra). From an early age, he stood apart—an independent spirit preferred the company of friends and the wider world beyond his home and family. What a novel and bizarre concept in those days of youth and mostly conservative upbringing. He pursued his education with determination, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from M.S. University in Baroda, followed by two years of law school in Mumbai, along with training in computer sciences—an early sign of his forward-thinking different nature.

On April 1, 1968, he married Ravibala Gulabdas Amin of Tarapur, Gujarat, an ‘outsider’ in the six gaum world but number one in the rank of human integrity, a ‘light’ with a remarkable heritage of her own family to embrace and comfort him as observed in the years to come.

Together, they embarked on a bold journey, immigrating to the United States in January 1969 and settling in the Washington, D.C. area. They made their home in Bethesda, Maryland, where Harshad lived for over three decades, building a life rooted in perseverance and opportunity. On July 16, 1970, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Shilpa, who remained the center of his world. Harshad’s professional journey was marked by adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. Beginning as a purchase officer at Jyoti limited in Vadodara and then at Brown Bowery in Mumbai, he later combined his skills in accounting and computer sciences before ultimately realizing his dream of business ownership. For over 23 years, he owned and operated a Baskin-Robbins on Duke Street in Alexandria, Virginia—affectionately known as “Shilpa Enterprises.” As “Mr. Amin,” he became a beloved figure in his local store community, serving generations of customers from local TJ Williams high school students, (Inova) Alexandria hospital staff to notable figures like the Redskins’ Sonny Jergenson, always with warmth, dignity, and genuine care. His store was also a launching pad for many employees from diverse backgrounds, reflecting his inclusive and generous nature. He could be split in his personality and affect, at times was conservative, stubborn and orthodox while kind, flexible and exploratory other times. He was gullible, sweet, cute, cool as a Buddha, yet flawed like an ‘Oscar’ never believing in watches or timeliness, having receipts sticking out of his brown brief case always or in plastic bags, ice cream stains on his polo shirts.  He could go off the beaten path, insulting, insensitive, flippant like a child or mad man throwing a fit at anytime, but brilliant like a ‘Felix’ in another, particular about brands and quality in just about anything from toilet paper, clothing (LL Bean) , women’s purses, cologne (Jo Malone) to furniture and cars (Oldsmobile). Amidst this, his academic mindset ensured there was some semblance of normalcy, a foundational path to ensure educational stability for Shilpa and financially diversification for longterm security and growth as he would often say. He had a customer service oriented affect, bright big smile and eye for quality and people. Pints or quarts of Baskin-Robbin’s ice cream were always in his hand when invited over by local friends or family for dinner. Following the untimely passing of his wife, Harshad devoted himself even more deeply to raising Shilpa, supported by his mother Nirmalaben and younger sister, Shobhanaben. He became not only a father but a mentor, guide, and lifelong student of knowledge. In an era before the internet, he immersed himself in medical journals and the ‘Health Section’ to support his daughter’s journey through higher education and medicine—offering advice on everything from health metrics to life decisions.

In retirement, Harshad remained active and engaged. He worked with a local nonprofit philanthropic organization and an anesthesia group in Bethesda, volunteered at the Kennedy Center in DC. He worked as a sales representative at Sears in Ashburn and when he briefly lived in Rochester, Minnesota before returning to the Washington, D.C. area, eventually settling in Ashburn, Virginia, where he spent over two decades.

A man of discipline in exercising, and curiosity for knowledge, Harshad embraced health and wellness through the lens of Dr. Gabe Merkin, a local internist and health expert, practicing yoga and maintaining a daily fitness routine for many years. Many times he’d take a run in a local park in Bethesda or the NIH campus with Shilpa or work out at Ballys no matter rain or shine or his home treadmill and gym in Rochester, MN. In Ashburn, it was LA Fitness almost 7 days a week and acquired a small group of ‘buddies’. He relished intellectual debate and even ‘heated’ arguments with ‘anyone’ and thoughtful conversation, engaging family like his nephews, surrogate sons, grandnieces/nephews, or brothers!, sisters, sister in laws!, neighbors, hospice volunteers, caregivers, chaplains, doulas, certified nursing assistants, their supervisors!, nurses, friends, Shilpa’s GWU friends on topics ranging from philosophy, law, his imperfect daughter and psychology to finance and current events. A dedicated reader, he frequently cut clippings from the Washington Post and highlighted them for Shilpa, shared articles and insights, always eager to teach, discuss, and learn. Harshad also appreciated life’s finer pleasures—fine Neuhaus, Lindt, Sees and Baci chocolates, Gifford’s ice cream, elegant Scandinavian furniture design, quality craftsmanship, classic artists like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Neil Sedaka to Kenny Rogers, classical music, Broadway theater, MSNBC, CNBC, traveling around the world with his Gaithersburg friends and the simple joy of sitting from his front chair looking at the neighborhood, tending to his roses and peonies in his garden, chatting it up with his neighbor or endlessly watering his and even his neighbor’s lawn. He was a great Indian cook himself, loved researching and trying out recipes, enjoyed foods prepared by his sisters and sister in laws Gujurati cooking and even Shilpa’s trials, failures and successes as reminders of his youth, wife and better days. His presence was marked by an unmistakable smile, a gift for connection, and a genuine interest in people from all walks of life. Wherever he went, he built friendships and left lasting impressions. That infectious smile. He injured his T12 while attempting one day to do the ‘Plow Pose’ more than 10-15 years ago or so sometime after returning from an invigorating group senior trip with his Senior Indian friends to China. That was the beginning of his physiological decline. In his later years, despite physical challenges and numerous hospitalizations, Harshad demonstrated extraordinary resilience and strength. Even as his health declined, his determined spirit remained unbroken—reflecting a lifetime of adaptability, courage, and determination. He will be remembered as a devoted father, a thoughtful mentor, a spirited conversationalist, and a man who lived life on his own terms. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—family, friends, former employees, and community members alike. Though his passing brings deep sorrow to those who loved him, there is comfort in knowing he is now at peace. After a life of serving others, perhaps it is finally time for him to enjoy a well-earned scoop of Baskin Robbins chocolate almond ice cream on a sugar cone as the world continues to turn. Harshad is survived by his loving daughter, Shilpa, his three remaining siblings, sister-in-laws, brother-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews on his and his wife’s sides, extended family of dear friends, BCC-Village of Baltusrol neighbors, his dedicated caregivers and yes, some admirers. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Aka Harshad, Harry, Harshad, ‘uncle’, ‘Fua’, ‘Mama’, ‘Masa’, Harshadbhai or ‘Dad’ to many, he would often say ‘be generous’ to others, ‘speak with a tongue of honey’ and ‘don’t expect’. Towards the end years and months of his life his closing phrase was ‘good luck to you’.

Thank you to everyone that opened your hearts, minds, space and homes, intersected with him, exercised patience, tolerance and love, contributing to his 88 year portfolio of life experiences and journey within his vessel for a time.

Jai Shree Krishna.