Ajit Chattha

It is with profound love and gratitude that we announce the passing of Ajit Singh Chattha, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend whose life was defined by resilience, faith, gratitude, and unwavering devotion to family.

Ajit was born on April 1, 1937, in West Punjab, then part of British India and now Pakistan, to Sardar Bahadur Singh Chattha and Bibi Sant Kaur Chattha. His childhood was marked by extraordinary hardship. He lost his father at the age of six, and by the age of nine had lost all of his siblings. During the Partition of India in 1947, Ajit and his mother were forced to leave their home and begin a new life in India. Through every challenge, he drew strength from his mother's steadfast faith, courage, and perseverance. These qualities became the foundation of his own life.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree and completing one year of law studies in Punjab, Ajit immigrated to the United States in December 1959 with only five dollars in his pocket and very little English. Through determination, hard work, and the kindness of lifelong friends and mentors, he earned an Electrical Engineering degree from San Jose State University and began a distinguished forty year career in the semiconductor industry. He spent fifteen years at Raytheon before joining National Semiconductor, where he served for twenty five years, retiring as Senior Director of Quality in 1999. Throughout his professional life, he never forgot where he had come from and always looked for opportunities to help others in his community.

Beyond his professional career, Ajit devoted many years to serving the Sikh community in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the first elected President of the Fremont Gurdwara in 1977, he helped lay the foundation for one of the region's earliest Sikh institutions.

In 1967, Ajit married the beautiful Swarnjit. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family, raising two sons, Jesse and Raj. They later welcomed their daughters in law, Carla and Deepee, who became cherished members of the family, and were blessed with three beloved grandchildren, Amit, Jonah, and Sophia. One of Ajit's greatest joys was bringing his mother to the United States in 1970 and caring for her until her passing in 1999. Having lost so much of his own family at a young age, he found his greatest fulfillment in building and preserving one of his own.

Ajit never forgot those who helped him throughout his journey. He remained deeply grateful to his extended family, mentors, and lifelong friends whose generosity and encouragement shaped his life. In turn, he quietly mentored others, always willing to offer his time, wisdom, and support.

Those who knew Ajit will remember his quiet strength, humility, optimism, generosity, and deep gratitude. God blessed him with a beautiful and successful life that he built from the most tragic of beginnings. His greatest legacy was not only what he achieved, but the family he loved, nurtured, and kept together. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Ajit is survived by his beloved wife, Swarnjit; his children, Jesse & Carla, and Raj & Deepee; his cherished grandchildren, Amit, Jonah, and Sophia; and many extended family members and lifelong friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and example.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via livestream at the following link - https://www.viewlogies.net/alameda-family/SlB1hbq8d?pin=808634