Our dear father Rajinder (Ray) Singh Gill passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024 at the age of 81.

Born on April 3, 1943 to Rur Singh Gill and Bhagwanti Kaur Cheema, he was raised in the farming village Kokri Kalan, in Punjab, India. After earning his mechanical engineering degree at Jalandhar Engineering College, he launched his career as the lead mechanical engineer running a machine shop in a copper mine. In 1970, he fulfilled his ambition to come to the United States, “the land of unlimited opportunities and individual freedom,” settling in Naperville, Illinois. Ray obtained his citizenship in 1976.

Shortly after emigrating to America, Ray began his 30-year engineering career at GM Electro-Motive Division (EMD), working on all aspects of the production of state-of-the-art diesel-electric locomotives. While at EMD, he earned his master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. After retiring, he returned to his farming roots on his beloved ranch in Delano, California.

Ray had a passion for golf, dogs, and nature. However, his biggest passion was his family—most notably his three grandchildren, who always drove his will to work and to continue the legacy he started in America over fifty years ago.

Ray is preceded in death by his loving wife, Harbans Kaur Gill, M.D., and first grandson, Padraig Singh Sullivan, and is survived by his children Kuljeet (Kelly) Kaur Gill, M.D. and Pam Kaur Sullivan, as well as his son-in-law Jason Sullivan, and three grandchildren, Jasper Singh Sullivan (13), Blake Singh Gill (12), and Fiona Kaur Sullivan (11).

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ray’s life on Saturday July 20, 2024, at:

Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory

24021 Royal Worlington Dr.

Naperville, IL 60564

(630) 922-9630

10:00: Visitation

11:30: Remarks of Remembrance & Service

1:00: Cremation (Private Service)

1:00-4:30: Luncheon, all welcome and will be served at:

Meson Sabika Restaurant

1025 Aurora Avenue

Naperville, IL 60540

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the following organizations:

Illinois Sikh Community Center, Wheaton Gurdwara: Donate | Illinois Sikh Community Center (ilscc.com)

Gurdwara Palatine | Sikh Religious Society: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪੈਲਾਟਾਈਨ – SRS Chicago | Gurdwara Palatine

ASPCA: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: ASPCA | American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals