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. tax-deductible 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.