Obituary of Sumit Chatterjee

Sumit Chatterjee passed away Monday, May 4, 2020, after facing brain cancer with optimism and humility. While Sumit was known by many loving nicknames, he was seen by all--both young and old--as a true embodiment of his name, which means “good friend.” Sumit was warm and friendly, with a booming voice and joyful laugh. His positive attitude and genuine curiosity made him an easy person to talk to and someone that others would go to for guidance or comfort. Sumit immigrated to the Chicago area in 1973, where he attended college and started working as a chemical engineer at Olin Chemicals. He retired from Lyondell Basell after evolving and maturing with the company and excelling as a leader and strategic thinker. Sumit was a man of many talents. He was a skillful carpenter, diligent gardener, and--although very shy about it--gifted singer. Perhaps his most defining characteristic was his strong and enduring faith. Sumit was a deeply religious soul who expressed his love for God by devoting much of his time to daily prayers and serving his fellow human. Sumit is preceded in death by his father, Binay Chatterjee. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Anima Banerjee; his loving wife of 39 years, Supta; brothers, Bishwanath Chatterjee, and Bhabanath Chatterjee; children, Sumitra Chatterjee, Shivani Chatterjee and husband, Kirthik Soora, and Shalini Chatterjee; and a host of other family and friends.