Gulam Rasul Puthawala

Gulam Rasul Puthawala, age 88, of Hagerstown, MD passed away quietly on December 23, 2015 at Fahrney Keedy Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. Born on June 17, 1927 in Ahmedabad, India, he was the son of Mohammed Habib and Aisha (nee Pehlari) Puthawala.

Gulam was a graduate of Pune’ (India) University having received a Bachelor of Engineering in 1950. In 1952, he won a scholarship to receive practical training in manufacturing engineering in Germany. It was there that he met his wife, Brigitta Elisabeth (nee Peuser) in Berlin in 1955. Gulam returned to India in 1957 to work for Tata Engineering. He and Brigitta married in India on December 7, 1957 and started their family. In 1963, violent religious conflicts caused the family to flee to Germany, then England, and finally immigrate to America in 1965. Gulam began working for Mack Trucks in 1965. On June 23, 1972, Gulam became a proud, naturalized, U.S. citizen. In 1974, he received a Master of Science in Administration from George Washington University. He retired from Mack Trucks as a Section Manager in their Manufacturing Engineering division in 1986.

In addition to his wife, Gulam is survived by his son, Anwer Hussain (Mary) Puthawala of Binghamton, NY, his daughter, Yasmin Elizabeth (Robert) Brown of Lebanon, PA, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister who died in childhood, another sister who died during childbirth, and his brother, Abdullah.

Gulam, who was affectionately known as “Opa,” was a devoted husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather, and loyal friend. He will be remembered for his sweet, gentle nature. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, woodworking, fishing, and exercising at the YMCA. He travelled the world extensively and learned 6 languages over his lifetime. Orphaned by age 10, he was raised by various family members and would eventually become the patriarch of his extensive Indian family. Despite the distance of miles, he cared deeply about his relatives, provided them with guidance, and ensured that future generations would have the resources available to be educated.

Gulam was involved in the local community. He served as a member and/or past president of various organizations including: the local chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Mack Trucks Toastmasters Club, Wesel (Germany) Sister City Affiliation, Bulldog Federal Credit Union, and Verein Deutsche Inginiuere. Gulam spent countless hours assisting in the design and expansion of the Islamic Society of Western Maryland. He participated in interfaith community dialogue and activities in an effort to increase peace, understanding, and the acceptance of diversity. He was a devout Muslim.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fahrney Keedy for the care they provided to Gulam in his final days. The family also wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses, and medical staff who cared for him throughout the years. Their dedication and support allowed Opa to live a full life to the very end.

Internment at Rest Haven Cemetery in Hagerstown, MD will be in keeping with Islamic tradition. A celebration of Gulam’s life will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Rest Haven with visitation with the family beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Islamic Society of Western Maryland, 2036 Day Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice that promotes peace and understanding.

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