WAUCONDA, Ill. – Jesal Patel, a beloved employee at IND Distribution, a company that specializes in customizing high-performance cars, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the age of 37. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but his family and friends said he had been suffering from health issues for some time.
Who was Jesal Patel?
Mr. Patel, who was born in Lincolnwood, Ill., and graduated from Niles West High School, joined IND Distribution in 2015 as a sales manager. He quickly became a valued member of the team, known for his passion, professionalism, and charisma. He was also an avid car enthusiast, who owned several modified vehicles and participated in various racing events.
“Jesal was more than just an employee, he was a friend and a brother to all of us,” said Nick Patel, the co-owner of IND Distribution and a distant relative of Mr. Patel. “He had a positive impact on everyone he met, and he always went above and beyond to make our customers happy. He was a huge asset to our company and our community, and we will miss him dearly.”
Mr. Jesal Patel’s death has left a void in the hearts of many people who knew him, both personally and professionally. His colleagues at IND Distribution described him as a hard-working, loyal, and fun-loving person, who always had a smile on his face and a joke to share. His customers praised him for his knowledge, honesty, and dedication, and said he made their car dreams come true.
“Jesal was the best salesperson I ever dealt with,” said Brian Lee, a customer from Chicago who bought a BMW M3 from IND Distribution last year. “He was very knowledgeable and helpful, and he gave me a great deal. He also kept in touch with me after the sale, and invited me to join the IND family. He was not just a salesperson, he was a friend.”
Mr. Patel’s family and friends remembered him as a loving, caring, and generous person, who always put others before himself. He was devoted to his parents, Babu and Susan Patel, his sister, Nisha Patel, and his fiancée, Priya Shah, whom he planned to marry next year. He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family and his close friends, whom he considered his brothers.
“Jesal was the best son, brother, and fiancé anyone could ask for,” said Nisha Patel, his sister. “He was always there for us, no matter what. He was our rock, our support, our everything. He had a big heart and a big personality, and he made us laugh all the time. He was the life of the party, and the light of our lives.”
Mr. Patel’s funeral was held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca, Ill., followed by a cremation ceremony. Hundreds of people attended the service, including his family, friends, colleagues, customers, and fellow car enthusiasts. Many of them brought flowers, cards, and pictures, and shared their memories and condolences.
Mr. Patel’s family and friends have also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his medical and funeral expenses, and to support his fiancée and parents. As of Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the page had raised over $50,000, surpassing its original goal of $25,000. The page also received hundreds of comments from people who expressed their sorrow and gratitude for Mr. Patel.
“Jesal was a wonderful person who touched so many lives,” said Priya Shah, his fiancée. “He was my soulmate, my best friend, my everything. He gave me the happiest moments of my life, and I will always cherish them. He was taken from us too soon, but he will never be forgotten. He will always be in our hearts, and we will always love him.”
BIO/WIKI
| Name | Jesal Patel |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1986 |
| Date of Death | October 27, 2023 |
| Age | 37 years |
| Occupation | Sales Manager at IND Distribution |
| Hometown | Lincolnwood, Ill. |
| Residence | Wauconda, Ill. |
| Survived by | Parents, Babu and Susan Patel; sister, Nisha Patel; fiancée, Priya Shah; and many other relatives and friends |
Facts and Trivia
- IND Distribution is a company that customizes high-performance cars, such as BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. It is based in Wauconda, Ill., and has been in business since 2008. It has a reputation for excellence and innovation and has won several awards and recognition in the automotive industry.
- Mr. Jesal Patel was an active member of the car community and was involved in various clubs, forums, and events. He was a regular attendee of the Chicago Auto Show, the SEMA Show, and the Bimmerfest. He also competed in several drag races, autocross, and track days, and often won trophies and prizes.
- Patel had a passion for music, especially soca, a genre of Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. He often played soca songs in his car and attended soca concerts and festivals. He was also a fan of the Blue Devils, a masquerade band that performs in the Carnival of Trinidad and Tobago and wore their costumes and makeup on several occasions.
- Mr. Patel was a philanthropist who supported various causes and charities, especially those related to children and education. He donated money and supplies to schools and orphanages in India, his parents’ homeland. He also volunteered at local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters. He was a mentor to many young people and inspired them to pursue their dreams.
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