Ranan Bihari Banerji

Passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016, age 88, of Haddon Township, NJ.  He was the beloved husband of Lekha, cherished father of Nita Spielberg (Joshua) and Sheila Banerji (Michael Ogawa), loving Dadabhai (grandfather) of Lela Spielberg Kanter (Adam), Ben Spielberg (Kate Frelinger), Karina Ogawa, Hannah Spielberg, Brian Ogawa, and uncle of Shekhar Banerjee (Neha).

A lifelong learner and teacher, he earned his PhD in physics from Calcutta University in India in 1956, before joining the faculty at Penn State University. He was a professor emeritus at St. Joseph’s University, having previous served on the faculty of University of New Brunswick(Fredericton), Case Western Reserve University and Temple University, teaching physics, mathematics, and computer science.  He also served as a visiting professor at the University of Paris, Calcutta University, the University of Vienna, the Vienna Technical University, and the Technical University of Prague.  He was a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence, authoring and editing five books and dozens of technical papers in his field.

Dr. Banerji spoke six languages and was deeply interested in the intersection of science and various religions.  He was a member of the Abington and Haddonfield Friends meetings, in addition to serving as a Hindu priest for the local Indian community.  After retiring in 1992, he wrote Society, Scientists, and the Spirit and tutored elementary, middle, and high school math.   He was gracious and humble and will be remembered as much by those who loved him for his gregariousness, humor, storytelling, loving nature and intellect.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Visitation from 10 - 11 AM Saturday, January 7th at Jackson Funeral Home, 308 Haddon Ave., Haddon Twp., NJ 08108, followed by his Memorial service at 11:00 AM.  In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Banerji's memory may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053.