Obituary of Debajit Kumar Biswas

Debajit Kumar Biswas passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of ninety-one, surrounded by his loving family. He loved his family in the US and abroad, and was a scientist, sports fan, and musician who was full of energy and always made those around him laugh. His greatest days included growing up with his loving family in India, as a father to Sena and Malini in Newton, and as a grandfather watching Sarita, Maya, and Ben's soccer games, tennis matches and academic ceremonies.

He was born in May 1933 in Chakrasala, a small rural village outside of what is now Chittagong, Bangladesh. He was the youngest of eight children and his father passed away when Debajit was only 5 years old.  His mother and older siblings showered him with love and ensured that his academic potential was fulfilled - he felt lifelong gratitude for this familial support.

Debajit graduated from the University of Calcutta (now Kolkata) with BSc, PhD, and DSc degrees in biochemistry, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois, Urbana. He conducted laboratory research in molecular biology and cancer for over 50 years at the India Institute of Technology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Dental School, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. He was also an NIH Advisory Board Member.

Debajit lived in the Boston area from the age of thirty-five to his death and enjoyed the love and support of the Boston Bengali community for over 55 years. He had a passion for Indian classical music and played the sarod every day, instructing students and performing concerts in the Boston area. Debajit was also an avid Boston sports fan, following the Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, and Patriots.

He is survived by his children Sena Biswas (Naomi) of Bedford, MA, and Malini Biswas (Dina Vargo) of Roslindale, MA, his grandchildren Sarita Biswas, Maya Biswas, and Ben Biswas, and his extended family in Australia, India, England, Scotland, and United Arab Emirates.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Burlington Marriott on February 1 at 4PM with a reception to follow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.