Jaswant Singh Chani, 81, of Holliston, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025. Born in Lahore, Punjab, India, he was the son of the late Harbans Kaur (Mann) Chani and Atma Singh Chani.

After the partition of India, his family settled in New Delhi, where he worked on his education while helping the family survive however he could. He attended Delhi University part-time, while working, to earn his Bachelor of Architecture. Yearning to continue his education, he applied to Harvard University and was accepted, but his Indian salary would make it challenging to afford the tuition. He chose instead to emigrate to the United States in 1972 and attend after settling in America.

Jaswant married his wife of 51 years, Parveen Kaur (Salva) Chani, in 1973 and began a family. He earned a Master’s degree from Harvard University in 1981, attending full-time, while also working full-time to support his growing family. Jaswant eventually became a registered architect, allowing him to start his own company in 1994. He hired and mentored several students and recent graduates as he continued to run his practice.

Jaswant was a devout Sikh and helped establish the New England Sikh Study Circle (NESSC), a community for practicing Sikhs to hold Sunday prayer services in the Boston area. As a religious person, he spent time mentoring the youth at the local Sikh Gurdwara as well as teaching Sikh History at Camp Tuscarora in upstate New York. Jaswant also made time to do community service with organizations such as SALDEF; after 9/11 as a volunteer with SALDEF he worked with the US Department of Justice, TSA, and law enforcement agencies on civil rights advocacy and educating staff and first responders about Sikhism.

Jaswant was a dedicated husband, father, uncle, friend, and community member. His selflessness embodied the true essence of who he was and what he valued. Inspired by his time in America, he helped guide his family and friends to the USA from India to settle and grow their own families.

Jaswant’s hobbies included photography, history, reading, travel, learning, and, like most New Englanders, he loved to hate the Boston Red Sox. He always had a warm smile and a hot cup of tea ready to greet you when you came over to his house, no matter how busy he was with work. He was a generous soul who was ready to help anyone at any time. His kindness, love, and mentorship will remain with all those who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Parveen Kaur Chani, Jaswant is survived by his son, Hargeet Singh Chani, his daughter,  Sumeet Kaur Chani, son-in-law, Sushil Agrawal, and grandson, Nikhil Singh Agrawal. He also leaves behind his brothers, Jagjit Singh Chani and Jagmohan Singh Chani; his sisters, Gurbax Kaur Taneja, Jasbir Kaur Tehim, Gurjeet Kaur Kapoor, Jeet Kaur Mann, and their families.

A private family-only cremation service will take place at Woodlawn North Purchase Crematory 825 North Main St. Attleboro on February 28th at 11 AM. After the service, all are invited to proceed to the Guru Ram Das Ashram, 368 Village St, Millis, MA 02054 at 1 PM for funeral services, Allaniaha Da Paath, Shabad Kirtan, and Antam Ardaas, followed by Guru Ka Langar (community meal), in loving memory of Sardar Jaswant Singh Chani. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Guru Ram Das Ashram or The New England Sikh Study Circle, or SALDEF