Harish Saxena

Harry was born in 1936 in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh to Prem Narain Saxena and Hansmukh Rani Saxena, and raised in New Delhi. After briefly considering a career in medicine, he pursued electrical engineering, graduating in 1958 and working in India for several years.

In 1962, he emigrated to the United States, following the path of his older brother Subhash, who helped him find a college in North Carolina. Harry graduated from North Carolina State University in 1964 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and began his career with US Steel in Chicago.

Soon after, he met Maria Arenas, a fellow immigrant from Mexico. The two were married in Mexico City on February 4, 1967—a union that would define the rest of his life. That same year, Harry joined Laramore, Douglas & Popham (LDP), an engineering firm where he would work, in one capacity or another, for the remainder of his life.

Harry’s career took him and his young family from the East Coast to the Midwest and back again. His son Ravi was born in 1969 in New Jersey, and his daughter Monica followed in 1971 in New York City. In 1978, he was promoted to head of the Electrical Engineering department at LDP and relocated to the Chicago area, settling in Lisle, Illinois, where he purchased the home that would be his residence for the rest of his life.

A licensed Professional Engineer in numerous states, Harry was a respected specialist in the design of power plants and substations for municipalities throughout the United States and abroad. Even after his official retirement in the early 2000s, he continued to consult regularly for LDP and its parent company, Gannett Fleming.

Outside of work, Harry was deeply engaged with his community. He was a proud member of the Lisle Kiwanis Club from 1979 until his passing, serving a term as president and playing a leading role in organizing the annual Eyes to the Skies Festival, where he was best known for managing the ever-popular beer tents.

Harry held a deep love for his extended family, both in the United States and abroad. He remained close to his brother Subhash throughout his life and visited India frequently to see his parents until their passing. He also embraced his wife’s family as his own, making regular trips to Mexico City with Maria and their children, and cherishing his ties to her roots.

Harry and Maria shared a passion for travel, exploring much of Europe and even Russia together. He was a loyal husband, a dedicated father, a loving grandfather, and a warm presence in the lives of many.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Maria; his son Ravi and daughter Monica; his four grandchildren; his brother Subhash; and by a wide network of extended family and friends across the globe who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Harry’s life will be held on May 31.