Obituary of Dr. Prasanta Datta

Dr. Prasanta Datta of Niskayuna moved peacefully from his home into celestial life on divine assignments on January 8, 2026.

Dr. Datta was a gifted mechanical and aerospace engineer. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Birmingham (UK) for which he developed and designed a process for metal cutting by carbon dioxide laser. He was also a senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) where he served as a technical paper reviewer and was a member of the International Gas Turbine Institute. He began his career as a professor at Northeastern University, then went on to principal engineering roles at Pratt and Whitney Corporation, United Technologies Research Center, Dresser-Rand (where he designed much of the VECTRA turbine), Siemens Westinghouse, General Electric and MTU Aero Engines.

To friends and family members he was known for his sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, kindness, sensitivity, generosity and love for cars. His many passions and interests included physics, mathematics, statistics, politics, literature, cinema, cricket, tennis, soccer, badminton and card games. He was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend and advisor.

He is survived by his wife Sikha Datta, daughters Monica Datta and Monisha Klar (Jeremy), son Sidhartha Datta and two grandchildren, Sienna and Hudson Klar. He is also survived by his brothers Subhas Datta (Ruby) and Bijoy Datta (Shukla) and sister Julie Nandy (Parimal), as well as many nieces and nephews and dear friends around the world.

Flowers and donations may be sent to:

Hindu Temple Society of the Capital District

450 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12211
Phone Number: (518) 459-7272

Hindu services for Dr. Prasanta Datta will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel and Crematorium, 186 Oakwood Avenue, Troy, NY 12182

Funeral arrangemtns have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065

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