Chittaranjan S. Shah, 66, software engineer

Chittaranjan "Chitu" Shantilal Shah, 66, of Norristown, an engineer and respected member of the Indian community in the Pennsylvania suburbs, died Monday, Dec. 15, of unknown causes after collapsing at his home.

Born in Mumbai, India, Mr. Shah earned a bachelor's degree in engineering at the Jai Hind College of the University of Mumbai, then came to the United States seeking to better himself and provide a bright future for his family.

"My father was an amazing and kind man who has been in this area for over 40 years," said daughter Megha Shah Fitzpatrick. "He built a successful life for himself through hard work and sacrifice - a true successful immigrant story."

Fortified with the master's degree he earned from Villanova University, Mr. Shah worked as lead software engineer at Laser Magnetic Storage in Audubon, Montgomery County, from 1975 to 1990. The firm moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., but Mr. Shah chose not to relocate.

Instead, in 1991, he joined Draeger Medical, now Dräger USA, in Telford as senior software engineer. He retired in 2009, his daughter said.

Mr. Shah was honest, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand, his daughter said. He enjoyed travel, spending time with family, and dining out.

"He loved music and was the best lullaby singer for his children and grandchildren," his daughter said.

Surviving, besides his daughter, are his wife, Rupa Chittaranjan Shah; another daughter, Neeti Shah Patel; three grandchildren; and two brothers.

Services will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale. Cremation is private.