Vyas Dev Sharma

Vyas was born in Burma to Tara Vanti and Krishan Chandra Sharma in 1935, where he was one of 6 children. His family escaped from Burma during the Japanese invasion during World War II, relocating to Northern India. Having lost his father at a young age, he became the patriarch of his family and took responsibility for the care of his siblings. In 1958, Vyas immigrated to England where he began his storied career in the airline industry with British Airways. In 1962, he came to New York City, where he worked full time for TWA. There, the airline took note of his work ethic and provided him a scholarship to Baruch College where he earned his MBA. In 1969, he married Suda Bala of Nairobi, Kenya in a traditional Hindu arrangement in India. They made a home in Forest Hills, Queens for two years before moving to Massapequa, Long Island to start their family.

Vyas was a luminary in the aviation transportation industry. A fixture at JFK Airport for over forty years, he ran the North American Cargo Operations for Sabena Airlines (now Brussels Airlines) before elevating to Director of North American Passenger Service and Operations at both Sabena and Swiss Air. You couldn’t walk with him through any terminal at the airport without being interrupted every few minutes by someone who wanted to say hello to him or

thank him for assistance he had provided. He was recognized as a creative problem solver & astute businessman, but most importantly a kindhearted professional, who was always willing to help those in need, in particular showing great empathy towards passengers in distress. He is also remembered by his former colleagues for his professionalism, unimpeachable integrity, and his well-tailored suits. His children often joked that no matter what airport they were in around the world, someone would recognize their name and excitedly say ‘oh you’re Dave Sharma’s kid!’

Vyas’ efforts in developing Sabena’s relationships in Africa earned him praise and recognition from the highest levels of government in Liberia and Rwanda, where he was a critical team member in the humanitarian relief effort during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

Vyas was also a very prominent figure in the Indian community on Long Island. He and Suda were long-time members and supporters of the Indian Association of Long Island, and were leaders in business, community, charitable and religious circles. For two decades, they helped organize donations of food, supplies and financial considerations for the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) soup kitchens especially in the spirit of ‘bringing light’ during Diwali.

His position as an airline executive permitted his family to travel extensively around the world. He particularly enjoyed excursions to see the tulips blooming in the Netherlands, family sightseeing vacations across the United States, and frequent trips to watch his favorite sport, tennis, at Grand Slams championships at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, Vyas Dev is survived by his daughter Ritu Bala; his sons Rakesh and Rohin (both of whom served as U.S. Army officers); son-in-law Gregory; daughters- in-law Kara and Shannon; his seven beloved grandchildren: Mila, Arabella, Zoe, Adeline, Kai, Rayna and Akshara; and his two sisters Promila & Prem.

Services are to be held on Saturday, November 13th at 10am at the Moloney’s Lake Funeral Home at 132 Ronkonkoma Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. A Hindu Pagri Ceremony shall be held on Sunday, November 14th at 4:00-5:30pm at the AsaMai Hindu Temple, 80 E.