Ian Naveen Birla, 53, of Closter, New Jersey passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He endured a nearly 3-year cancer battle like a true champion with resilience, optimism, and grace.
Ian was born in Indianapolis, moving to Memphis TN at age seven where he honed numerous skills including performing magic, breakdancing, and becoming a state ranked tennis player -- he also developed a deep love for barbecue. After graduating from Germantown High School, he attended the University of Michigan where he was introduced to two of his greatest loves -- his wife Nita and Wolverine football. Following graduation, life took Ian to Manhattan where he achieved much success in various finance and consulting positions, ending his career at HSBC. He never shied away from a professional challenge but what gave him the most enjoyment was connecting with colleagues all over the world creating lifelong bonds.
Ian's zest for life was unmatched. He was an amazing cook who loved to entertain family and friends, excitedly trying out new recipes. Nothing gave him more pleasure than gathering the neighbors for impromptu barbecues, always looking to include anyone and everyone. While food played a starring role, these gatherings were not complete without his eclectic taste in music blasting throughout the house. During college, he spent a summer following the Grateful Dead, and in true Ian fashion he refused to let his treatment stop him from catching five Dead & Company shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He loved EDM festivals where he and Nita were often the oldest (by decades), which he considered a badge of honor.
In 2023, through Charity Challenge, Ian did a 6 day / 115km trek through the Wadi Rum desert in high heat and deep sand. He found that to be a life changing experience that unleashed his desire for more adventure, including planning a trip to the Himalayas and various biking adventures that he had hoped he would be able to experience with his family. Over the last few years, because of his illness and his unwavering curiosity, he became interested in biology, learning the inner workings of the human body, even considering a late-in-life career in medicine. He was an avid reader focusing on spirituality (he was trained in Transcendental Meditation) as well as history. Ian never lost his sense of humor, always finding time to send Instagram reels to his friends and family.
While there was never a shortage of passions in Ian's life, nothing was more important to him than his family. His children, Shayli and Shaan, were his greatest source of pride and happiness. He shared his love of fine dining and travel with them. He took immense pride in motivating and challenging them with advice and questions. He celebrated a Wolverine Football National Championship in person in 2023 with Shaan by his side and willed his way to experience Shayli graduating from the University of Chicago in 2025. Ian was at peace knowing his legacy will continue to live on through his children.
Ian is survived by his parents Madan and Shashi Birla, wife Nita, children Shayli and Shaan, sister Manisha (Kunal), mother and father in-law (Dinesh and Pallavi), sister-in-law Rina (Anup) and five loving nieces and nephews (Kayan, Rohin, Dylan, Nikhil, and Maya).
Ian and I met as our Dads both worked at Federal Express Corporation. Being similar aged we would hang out at shared family get togethers. He had great taste in music and introduced me to bands like the Nine Inch Nails. We both ended up in the Big 10 for college and Michigan always got the better of Purdue, whether it was basketball or football. As adults, we took in some great live music in Memphis, Chicago and Las Vegas. Ian brought people together and always made everyone feel included.
I attended the celebration of life in Closter, NJ. It was held on a beautiful Saturday at their house in the backyard. It was remarkably well attended with around 100-150 attendees. Simi and I drove over from her place in Glen Rock. It was well attended by Memphians including Meena Tahaliani, Asha Aggarwal, Devi Kumar and Malani Gupta. His parents and wife were of course the most emotional. Shaili and Sean seemed to be doing OK, but obviously its a lot.
After Madan Uncle, speeches were given by Rajeev, a few work friends, his cousins and finally his neighbors. His dad referenced a book, "The Man Who Could Not Read." Rajeev mentioned a cabana day where one of them got their watch stolen and another got their wallet stolen. The most touching were his work colleagues who survived the trenches of Wall Street and lived to tell about it by sticking together and staying in touch.
There was live music with a guitarist/vocalist who was very good. Barbecue, Pizza, desserts, beer, wine and a famous punch.
The take away theme for me was "Let's do it" in regards to staying in touch with people, calling, making dinner plans and making travel plans. Pick the nice hotels, book the nice dinners, get tickets to the EDM and jam bands and go on adventures around the country. The other take away was "That's Business Class" in reference to splurging a little to truly distinguish something whether that be accommodations, meals or bottle service.
It motivated me to treat myself to a higher priced dinner entree the next day and I will make plans to visit friends just for the heck of it, without having a specific event or convenient time.
