Obituary of Nihar Oza
January 23, 2024
Nihar Oza, of Manhattan, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at the age of 58 in the early afternoon on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024. Born in Bombay, India to Gautam and Harshada Oza, Nihar was a brilliant and gifted child with a hunger for reading, poetry, prose, and music. His love of literature may have fueled his sense of purpose but it was his character, compassion, and humor that made him the man his family and friends loved.
After his upbringing in upper class India, Nihar shied away from those principles and ideologies upon his family’s move to America at the age of 16, wherein he thoroughly adopted a more relaxed and minimalistic lifestyle. His manners and open-mindedness were unmatched, befriending anyone from homeless people to well-known artists and businessmen. His appreciation and deep understanding of artistic craft and greater universal existence gave him a uniquely rare lens through which to view the world. Few could comprehend his genius, and fewer could see life as he did. More than just intellectually gifted, Nihar was also an exceptional horseback rider in his youth.
Majoring in Physics at the University of Texas at Austin, he went on to write three novels, hundreds of poems, serve as Producer on Jimmy Cobb’s album Only For the Pure of Heart, open Daydream Cafe in Hell’s Kitchen, and read vastly complex novels every day of his life. He also occasionally performed at poetry readings in the Village. He lived and breathed his craft so it was only fitting that he had his works within arm’s reach when he passed.
The family hopes he is at peace in a place where he may be surrounded by his favorite books and authors (James Joyce), newspaper boats, vintage cars, bass guitars, and jazz music.
Nihar is survived by his parents, his loving sister Nandita, his brother-in-law, Maurizio Michi, and his only niece, Sophie.
May he rest in knowledge, among the pages of the books he laid his soul between.
Invite-Only services will be held from 12-1pm on January 28th at Greenwich Village Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the MoMa or the New York Public Library.
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I am so sad to hear about Nahar's passing. He and I went to Campion School together and we both struggled paying attention in class, so our parents had us take tuition together with M. Gomz. I will always remember the pranks we played on him, which we paid for dearly, and how much we laughed together. We did connect a few years ago and he was the same Nihar I remember from School. I wish Nihar's parents and his sister warm wishes and healing for this terrible loss.
Posted by: Rajiv Agarwala - Greenwood Village, CO - Friend February 1, 2024
Went to school (Campion) with Nihar. He was a wonderful person, very intelligent, kind and with empathy to all he met. Unfortunately, we lost touch after schoool ended but he was always in our thoughts and I always thought that one day we would meet again. Unfortunaltey, man proposes and God disposes.... My sincere heartfelt condonlences to the family and his loved ones. We have lost a brother too and we shall always remember him fondly. For Nihar (who loved poetry) - When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little - but not for long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this journey that we all must take And each must go alone; It's all a part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go. - Edgar Albert Guest
Posted by: Aref Khan - Mumbai, Maharashtra - Friend February 1, 2024
Such a shock. Went through elementary, mid and high school with Nihar.i have so many great memories of him . He will be missed. My deepest condolences to uncle and aunty.
Posted by: Ajay Nehru - Vancouver , Bc - Friend February 1, 2024
I remember Nihar well from my school days. Intense, funny, goofy charm, classroom joker; everyone was fond of the Oza. Regrettably he didn’t stay in touch with the class group and we all knew very little of him. It’s gut wrenching to know of his passing so early. Rest in peace our mate from Campion ‘81
Posted by: Atul Kasbekar - Mumbai, - Friend February 3, 2024
I have strong & fond memories of Nihar from a time I visited New York in the early 90s. He was hilarious, & kind to me at a time when life was fairly precarious for us both. Sending my sympathy & condolences to his family, & his friends.
Posted by: Claire Lawrie - London uk, London - Friend February 3, 2024
In loving memory of my younger brother, Nihar. You will be deeply missed. Growing up in Mumbai, we shared a lot of wonderful memories. Growing up you were fun to be around, very intelligent and creative. I will never forget sharing our love for reading books and music. May your soul find peace. I won't forget you.
Posted by: Gopa C - Mumbai, Maharashtra - Family February 3, 2024
I have known him to be loving caring and funny during our childhood days,always meeting up with loads of excuses to play together.I will always cherish these memories. May the perpetual light always shine upon you,Nihar. Strength and comfort to Harshada aunty,Gautam uncle and Nandita.
Posted by: Priti Dsouza - Manama, Bahrain - Family February 4, 2024
I remember Nihar from our childhood days. He was kind, funny & intelligent.I also remember him loving music & playing the guitar. Mathis soul rest in peace. Love & strength to Harshada Aunt, Gautam uncle & Nandita.
Posted by: Urmi Muni - Mumbai , Maharashtra - Family February 4, 2024
