Mr. Kunal Raina

Namaskar!

ॐ शांति शांति शांति

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Kunal Raina, who left for his heavenly abode on April 22, 2026.

On behalf of KOA, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved family during this time of profound loss and remembrance. May they find strength in one another, comfort in the love and support of the community, and peace in the cherished memories that will forever remain in their hearts.

Kunal Raina, beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away suddenly on April 22, 2026, at the age of 46.

Though his life ended far too soon, Kunal’s impact on everyone who knew him was immense and lasting. He lived with a full heart, a generous spirit, and an energy that brought people together in a way few ever could.

Kunal was born in New Delhi, India, to Sanjaya and Anita Raina. He was raised in a close knit household surrounded by his parents, grandparents, and extended family, an environment filled with love that shaped the man he would become. Even as a child, Kunal stood out. He was curious, mature beyond his years, patient, and practical, the kind of child every parent hopes for.

At the age of nine, Kunal moved with his family to Toronto, Canada, where he found a vibrant and welcoming community that quickly became an extension of his family. There, he thrived, immersing himself in sports, art, and friendships that would last a lifetime. It was during these years that he developed his lifelong passion for Toronto sports and became a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. More importantly, he built deep relationships that would support and uplift him throughout his life.

At 19, Kunal moved to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University. His time at Rutgers was transformative. He excelled academically, embraced life fully, and built a wide and lasting network of friendships. It was here that his natural ability to bring people together truly began to shine. Kunal had a rare gift. He was a connector, someone who made every room feel warmer and every gathering more meaningful.

After college, Kunal moved to Minnesota to begin his career at Target. It was there that he met the love of his life, Courtney. Their relationship grew into a beautiful and enduring marriage, grounded in love, laughter, and partnership.

Kunal and Courtney eventually moved back to New Jersey to be closer to family, where they built a life filled with joy and purpose.

Together, they raised two wonderful children, Sonya and Niam, who were the center of Kunal’s world.

Later, life took Kunal and his family to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he once again built an incredible community of friends. No matter where he lived, Kunal had a way of turning friends into family, leaving a lasting imprint on every place he called home.

No one loved the way Kunal did. You could see it in his smile, in his eyes, and in the way he looked at you. But where you felt it most was in the way he was when he was with or talked about his children, Sonya and Niam. He paid attention to every little detail of their lives, school, sports, playing outside, family dinners, because being their dad meant everything to him. He was in it with them, all of it, showing up, being silly, making them laugh, and making them feel like they were the most important thing in the world every single day.

Kunal’s life spanned India, Toronto, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Michigan, but what defined him most were the relationships he built along the way. He leaves behind a global community of friends who will remember his infectious laugh, unforgettable stories, deep loyalty, and rare ability to make everyone around him feel seen, valued, and loved.

He had the biggest heart. Kunal brought laughter, light, and energy into every space he entered. He made it a point to check in on others, to support them, and to celebrate their wins as if they were his own. He was everyone’s biggest fan, encouraging people to dream bigger, live fuller, and be their best selves.

He also had a playful side, a joyful instigator of harmless mischief, the kind that created unforgettable memories and stories that will be told for years to come.

Above all, Kunal loved deeply. His family was everything to him. He was a devoted husband to Courtney, a loving father to Sonya and Niam, a cherished son to Sanjaya and Anita, a proud brother to Karan, and a dear brother-in-law to Tiffany.

To know Kunal was to know warmth, generosity, humor, and love. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into something special and bringing people together in a way that felt effortless and genuine.

Kunal is survived by his wife, Courtney; his children, Sonya and Niam; his parents, Sanjaya and Anita Raina; his brother, Karan; his sister in law, Tiffany; his nephews, Kaius and Shay. MK and Nirmal Kaul, Ravendra Raina, Vijay and Nandita Raina, Lalit and Sunita Kaul, Pavan and Chitra Kaul

He will be remembered as the best of men. Someone who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave so much of himself to others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he impacted and in the example he leaves behind to love without hesitation, to laugh often, and to bring light wherever you go.

 Forever loved by his family.