By the family

Feb. 23, 2025: Dr. Vijayasekaran Daniel George of Chennai, India, and Bronxville, New York, was called home to rest on February 19^th, with the infinite love of his family surrounding him. Viji was an avid gardener, an Indian cook extraordinaire, a curator of diverse works of art, and an enthusiastic explorer of far corners of the globe. Above all, he was a proud father, grandfather, and husband. Viji’s presence was large, as is the void his absence leaves behind, but we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace in the arms of our Savior and that we will be reunited with him once again. 

Viji was born on August 24^th, 1951, in Chennai, India, to George and Salome Devaprasad. As the youngest of five siblings growing up in India, his childhood was filled with simple pleasures – playing marbles, flying kites, and riding bikes until dark with friends in the streets of Chennai. In 1971, following in the footsteps of his older siblings, he emigrated to the United States. He was often fond of saying that while his heart was in America, his soul was in India. 

Viji earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Concordia University, River Forest, IL, and a Doctorate in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. He accepted a position at Concordia College, Bronxville, NY, in 1979 where he would serve for over 35 years, as a Professor of Psychology, Dean of Students, Assistant to the President, Director of the Good Shepherd Center for the Family, and finally as President for 16 years. It was at Concordia that he met his wife, Janet, where together they found a network of colleagues and students that would become lifelong friends. In retirement, Viji served on several boards, including Thrivent Financial and The Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation. 

Viji adored his family. He was a proud and devoted father to his daughters, Sarah and Emilie, and a spirited companion to Janet in all parts of life, both big and small. He loved taking phone calls from his girls, attending soccer games and recitals, and hearing the assorted details of everyone’s day, even if mundane. He cherished opportunities to be close with his siblings and to gather his extended family for any occasion that might merit a reunion. 

His fierce intellect, quick wit, and profound affection for those he leaves behind will be deeply missed. Viji is survived by his wife Janet George, his daughter Sarah George (Timothy Athans) and grandchildren Eleanor and Henry, and his daughter Dr. Emilie George (Dr. Joshua Gilman) and three siblings, Dr. Padmini Charles, Dr. Chandran George, and Rani Dhanarajan.

The Funeral Service is 10 am Saturday, March 1, 2025 at The Village Lutheran Church, Bronxville

To Live Stream the Service: Please Click Here