Deonarine Persaud

Deonarine “Dadool” Persaud, was born on June 22, 1938, in Corentyne Berbice, Guyana, to Chattergoon Ragnauth and Sumintra (Julia) Dhanpatia. He was one of six children; his later brothers are Cyril, Bob, Sukul, and Jet, and his late sister Dorris.

From a very young age, Deonarine helped his family run a successful rice stall at the New Amsterdam Municipal Market. Together with his brothers, he worked tirelessly farming rice and vegetables, saving to help his parents and family. He also assisted his mother in her trading business from Suriname, showing a sense of responsibility and dedication that would define his life.

Though his formal education ended after completing elementary school in Number 50 Village, Deonarine’s true education came from life and family responsibility. In those days, work was often prioritized over schooling, and he dedicated himself to helping the family business, his parents, and siblings. As a teenager, Deonarine sought out other jobs to earn extra income and gain experience beyond farming. On August 22, 1957, Deonarine married the love of his life, Bhamattie “Chan” Ramsaroop. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in hard work, resilience, and devotion to family. They were blessed with four children: Kenneth (who preceded him in death in 2021), Dato, David, and Shanta. Side by side, Deonarine and Bhamattie built their first and forever home in Number 50 Village, farming rice and cultivating fruits and vegetables. Chan was, as he often said, a “Jill of all trades,” and their combined efforts ensured that their family and children had every opportunity.

Raised in a devout Brahman household, religion was central to his upbringing. Each year, he and his family joyfully hosted Yajna’s, giving back to their community and sharing their devotion with others. Deonarine was very much into the Hindu religion and Indian culture. He participated in teaching younger children in Guyana about the Hindu religion and culture.

Deonarine was passionate about music, especially bhajans and Hindi songs. He often filled his home with songs or singing and enjoyed watching Bollywood movies. He was also a man of great pride in his country—so much so that when Guyana achieved independence in 1961, he wrote a song in celebration.

In 1996, he and his wife migrated to New York, where they played an essential role in raising the next generation; he helped Dato and Shanta with their children. There were times when he would be with the grandchildren Monday to Friday and only see his wife on the weekends to make sure the grandchildren were well taken care of. But he did not stop there. Once the grandchildren were in middle and high school, he took a small job in New York to get him out of the house and earn extra money.

He loved living in New York because he was close to his son David and his family, friends, and family from Guyana, and the Guyanese culture. After over two decades in New York with his daughter Dato and her family, he moved to Texas to live with his daughter Shanta. There, he enjoyed his time with his great-grandchildren, Elijah and Ava, and fur-granddog, Milo. During his years in Texas, he became a member of the North Texas Hindu Mandir, where he found joy in attending services, reconnecting with his faith, and embracing the warmth of the community. He developed many meaningful friendships there and held deep affection for the people who embraced him as family.

Deonarine is survived by his loving children Dato, David, and Shanta; daughter-in-law Maureen; and sons-in-law Kalu and Siew. He will be lovingly remembered by his cherished grandchildren: Vashti (Chris) Cunji, Vishal Persaud, Shelly (Edward) Wilbert, Rosana (Zachary) Pratt, Michael Persaud, Noel (Kafi) Jungra, Valisa Persaud, Vanie (Chris) Bedessie, Vinesh (Ashianna) Persaud, Samuel (Ava) Beharry, and Shaun Beharry. His legacy also lives on through his great-grandchildren: Jayden, Aubrey, Jordan, Elijah B., Kimberly, Alyssa, Elijah P., Ava, Lucas, Liam, Lyla, and Hannah.

He will be remembered as a man of strong faith, deep love for his family, hard work, and unwavering generosity. His voice in song, his wisdom, and his presence will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.