Raj Gupta

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Raj Kumar Gupta, age 80, on May 27th, 2024, near his home in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Gupta led a remarkable and distinguished career as a Professor and later Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Biophysics, and Biochemistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Born in India, he was a physicist by training, graduating from pre-eminent universities in his home country. After receiving his PhD from IIT Kanpur in 1968, he was recruited by the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, first at Columbia University, then at Yorktown Heights, NY. His career included a brief stint as a research fellow at the NIH before moving to the Institute for Cancer Research/Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. In 1982, at the age of 38, he became a tenured professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he spent over 30 years of his career.

As the author of over 200 publications, Dr. Gupta was renowned for his innovative use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the mechanisms of diseased cells and tissues. His seminal work continues to be referenced by researchers worldwide.

Yet, beyond his professional accomplishments, he was simply “Dad” to me. My confidante, the one who celebrated my victories and consoled me in difficult times. Unlike most, he truly used algebra every day! Though a quiet and humble man, he had a playful side, known for his love of (and occasional cheating in) card games, and his keen interest in the stock market. Above all, he loved his family deeply and was always ready to support his family, friends, and colleagues.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pratima; his dear daughters, Julie (Sven) and Lori (Prasant); and his cherished granddaughters, Leela and Meena. His profound love, unique brilliance, and innate humility will be missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.