Rajasekar Arulraj Abel

Rajasekar “Raj” Abel, 77, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully on April

24, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on April 5, 1949, in India, Raj lived a life shaped

by faith, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.

Raj embraced the world with curiosity from his earliest days. He loved catching fish with

his hands from the streams, climbing mango and jackfruit trees, enjoying the fruits, and

roaming freely through Divulapitiya. His childhood in Sri Lanka—surrounded by cousins

in a lively joint family compound—nurtured his adventurous spirit and deep love for

people. At Lakpahana, he continued climbing trees despite the rules and began two

lifelong hobbies: collecting stamps and gathering seashells wherever he traveled.

Driven and bright, Raj completed high school early and pursued higher education at

Spicer Memorial College, Andrews University, Strayer University, and George

Washington University. His contributions to business and investment were later

recognized with an honorary doctorate in business. His career spanned continents, and

he surrounded himself with inventors, entrepreneurs, and big dreamers like himself.

Colleagues admired his integrity, encouragement, and ability to see possibilities where

others saw obstacles.

Raj’s life was anchored by love. On February 20, 1978, he married Elizabeth, the love of

his life and his partner of 48 years. Together they built a home filled with warmth,

laughter, and purpose. They raised their children—Ryan, Roshan, and Tanya—with

devotion and later delighted in their grandchildren, Leilani and Ezra. Their home was

always open, welcoming family and friends for extended stays and creating lifelong

memories.

Raj loved America—its road trips, beaches, mountains, and natural beauty. He saw it as

a land of opportunity, with resources he believed should be shared, and he quietly

helped sponsor many.

Generosity was Raj’s signature. He supported churches, students, and families in need,

often giving quietly and without seeking recognition. He invested in people not only

financially but relationally—teaching, mentoring, and cheering others on with his

trademark optimism. Whether helping someone master parallel parking or encouraging

a young person to pursue their dreams, Raj made others believe they could do anything

they set their minds to.

He loved music, laughter, and especially Baila dancing with Elizabeth. His presence

made gatherings brighter, and his joy was contagious. Even in his final health

challenges, Raj faced each day with courage and unwavering trust in God.

Raj is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his children Ryan and Tanya; his

grandchildren Leilani and Ezra; his siblings Rajaratnam (Jolly), Rajakumari (Aarson),

and Rani (Selvin); and extended family in the United States and abroad. He was

preceded in death by his son Roshan.

Raj’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with kindness, hope, and

encouragement.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thambakara Student Scholarship Fund

in memory of Raj Abel. U.S. taxdeductible gifts may be sent to the General Conference

of SDA (memo: NSD / SLM / Thambakara Scholarship), 12501 Old Columbia Pike,

Silver Spring, MD 20904, or via Zelle to Ladies College Alumni of Greater Washington

lcagw66@gmail.com with the memo “Thambakara Scholarship.” Direct donations to Sri

Lanka may be made payable to Lakpahana Adventist College, Mailapitiya, KY 20702,

Kandy, Sri Lanka.