Pradeep Kumar Puri

Small in stature, large in heart, magnanimous, loving and caring toward family and friends, Pradeep Kumar Puri, born July 4, 1966, passed away on Thursday, April 14, at the age of 55. He was a son, brother, friend, colleague, and uncle. He is survived by his father, Dr. Madan L. Puri, his mother, Uma S. Puri, his sister, Purnima Puri, brother, Sandeep Puri, brother-in-law, Richard Barrera, nephews Alexander Puri, Diego Barrera, Pablo Barrera, Rafa Barrera, and his niece Ayla Barrera. The panorama of his life was expansive. Born in Lucknow, India, his very early years were spent in New York City, after which he lived in Bloomington since the time he was two years old until he moved to Chicago after college. He developed very close friends in Bloomington and Chicago who cared deeply for him. In his healthy years he was a very active ping-pong player (a nephew recalls playing with him and Pradeep’s mentioning his success at the table), basketball player, swimmer, and long-distance runner (he did not finish first, but he finished!). He loved talking about sports with people. He had many ribbons and trophies from competitions and was highly regarded for his perseverance. Messages from his friends reference that he loved people, his passion and keenness of observations on Indiana University and Chicago sports teams, his love of having fun, and his extraordinary sales success at CareerBuilder. Despite facing many health problems that were debilitating, he would repeatedly be among the top annual salespersons at the Company, where he developed many close relationships. The team at CareerBuilder cared for him immensely and we value their personal engagement in Pradeeps’ life. An award ceremony describing him can be found at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i22T-8r5_hQ. A nephew wrote, “I will remember my Uncle Pradeep as someone whose willingness to contribute to my personal, mental and professional well-being was boundless no matter the distance between us or what limitations his own health inflicted upon him. His kindness and belief in me never failed to uplift me in my most difficult moments.” His beloved tennis coach in Bloomington remarked, “In all my years of coaching, I had the pleasure of working with a significant amount of outstanding student athletes but sometimes the ones that you’ll remember are those that might not have ever made it to the level to compete on the court, but their contributions in practice, on the sideline or in the hallways were an important part of the team’s success…Pradeep was one of those people!” A lifelong childhood friend, writing about Pradeep, said, “I’ve known Pradeep since first or second grade at Rogers Elementary where he was my first and oldest friend. There are many people we meet in our lives, but only a few that will make a lasting impression in our hearts. Pradeep was one of them. He always cared about your well-being. Few people held the unselfishness, considerate, loving heart that he had.” More than one individual commented on his being a man of faith that will bring him peace. We take solace in his soft heart, his unending love to people, and his faith. We will remember Pradeep for his steadfast friendship, counsel, and magnanimity toward others, and his perseverance in life. He had a unique talent, a rare gift, of making anybody and everybody feel as though they were his best and most intimate friends. For that we are forever grateful. The family will receive visitors at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, from 10 am to 11 am on Sunday, April 24, 2022. A funeral service will follow at 11am. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Pradeep Kumar Puri

July 4, 1966 - April 14, 2022