We regretfully announce the passing of Anand Rao of Clifton, NJ on September 18, 2026. Anand was surrounded by his children and granddaughter and passed away peacefully. Anand was a healthy and active 85-year-old, who sadly suffered a stroke on September 16, 2026. His passing leaves an enormous absence in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him, but his memory and the impact he had on his family will remain forever.

Our father/Aja was one of the wisest, strongest, caring, and stubborn people to ever grace this earth, and our family was blessed to have him as the leader and guide of the family. Anand was an outgoing individual, starting his life in the U.S. as a pharmacist, making many friends and extended family along the way, and consistently fostered these relationships throughout his life. He was a wonderful father who gave his all to his family, and especially to his grandchildren.

He was a man who instilled in everyone the importance of hard work, strength, and keepsakes, and was a true figure of familiarity we will always and forever look up to. He taught us to remain strong during difficult times, to work for what we want, and to always remember where we came from. His personality, stories, advice, presence, and humor are things our family will deeply miss, #selfhelpisthebesthelp ;).

Funeral Services Sunday 9AM – 11AM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, NJ. Cremation, East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ.

Dad/Aja, you will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you. We love you so much. Rest peacefully forever and say hello to Aji for us.