Prabhudas “John” P. Chauhan

CHAUHAN

Prabhudas “John” P., age 83, on June 3, 2026 of Swarthmore, PA.

Prabhudas spent his formative years in Mombasa, Kenya, where he grew up working as a dhobi (“washerman”) in the family business which reflected the heritage of his caste, Rajput Dhobi (i.e “warrior washerman”). His early life forged loyalty, a strong work ethic, and a love of family. His youth in Mombasa was filled with memories of swimming in the Indian Ocean and catching fresh crabs to be cooked by his aunts on his way home. As the youngest boy of nine children, his character was shaped by his older brothers, Naran, Lalji, and Devchand, and kept firmly grounded by his beloved sisters, Vadjuben, Hemuben, Kamraben, Saraswati and Bhanuben.

After graduating from high school in Mombasa, he worked for the Kenyan government that brought him first to Nairobi then Nakuru. It was there a colleague and one of his best friends, Rajni Patel, raised the possibility of coming to America. His mother, Ranibai, insisted he marry before granting her blessings. In 1968, Prabhudas wed Shobha Dusara, of Dar Es Salem, Tanzania, and together they embarked on a lifelong adventure, moving to the USA and settling in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia.

Shortly after they arrived, Prabhudas secured employment at the Manufacturers’ Appraisal Company (MAC) (later acquired by PricewaterhouseCoopers), where he worked his entire professional career until his retirement in 2000. During the 70s, with Shobha raising their three children, he completed an undergraduate degree in Business Administration at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business at night while working during the day.

Outside of his professional life, Prabhudas fostered deep friendships across every chapter of his journey, enjoying laughs, drinks, get-togethers, sing-a-longs, and adventures. He built lasting connections with people from his youth and early adulthood in Kenya and then in the U.S. in his career at MAC, with his extended family, and with the community of fellow Indian immigrant families.

His home in Swarthmore, PA became the anchor of his life, where he lived for 55 years and raised his family. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, he sponsored numerous family members seeking to establish a life in the United States, including his mother, sister, two brothers, and many cousins. His deep devotion to family was mirrored in his personal life, as he lovingly cared for his mother, Ranibai, in his own home until her passing in 2002. Prabhudas also planted the seeds for what became the Rajput Dhobi Samaj USA, an organization that remains vibrant and active today.

When his kids were young, he was a central figure in a large, tight-knit crew of Indian immigrant families who frequently went camping and embarked on group trips. His love of the open road, piloting his family on long road trips first in his iconic VW Bus, and later, a trusted minivan, provided the scenery for cherished family memories.

The soundtrack of Prab’s life was fueled by the music of his youth, first developed by sneaking into Bollywood films as a kid, then as an adult attending concerts of his favorite artists, to performing in front of friends and family singing classical Indian songs, bhajans, and ghazals.

Fully embracing his new home, Prab became a devoted Philadelphia sports fan, passionately cheering for the Eagles and Phillies. He also closely followed the Indian National Cricket team.

After he retired, Prab and Shobha traveled the world together, exploring China, Thailand, India, Europe, and Africa. In his later years, his greatest joy was simply spending time with his grandchildren, passing on the warmth, wit, and wisdom of a life beautifully lived.

Predeceased by his parents, Ranibai (nee Parmar) and Pragji Chauhan.

Survived by his wife of 58 years, Shobha (nee Dusara) Chauhan, his children, Aarti Chokshi (Nimish), Jay Chauhan (Rama), and Ravi Chauhan (Elizabeth “Liz”), his five grandchildren, Dhruv, Maya, Divyesh, Ayan, Amara, and his sister, Bhanu (‘Rakhi’) Vaghela.

Relatives & friends are invited to his Viewing Saturday, June 13th, 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM followed by his Funeral Service 2:00 PM in the Main Chapel at the D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Cremation Private.

Live stream link: https://www.twitch.tv/danjolellmh?sr=a

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