I.C. Shah, 82, passed away suddenly in Sarasota, Florida on Tuesday, February 16th.

I.C. was born in 1938 in Bombay, India. He immigrated to the United States in 1961 to continue his studies at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, where he graduated with an MBA degree. From there, he found success working in sales at Xerox Corporation. In 1976, after leaving Xerox, he founded his own company, ICS Telecom, a telecommunications business which at one point spanned five locations, and 100+ employees. He has been recognized locally and nationally, receiving Rochester’s Small Business Person-of-the-Year Award in 1993, the Michigan State Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005, and was an inaugural ICON award winner of the Rochester Business Journal in 2017.

Beyond his professional success, IC ’s true calling may have been his charitable efforts within the Rochester community. He served on numerous boards, dedicating countless resources to improve and empower those around him, from founding DIAL – the Development of Indo-American Leaders, to training and placing other Asian-Indian leaders into positions of power in local charities, to chairing galas for causes close to his heart such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester. Motivated not by a desire for recognition, but for a desire to set an example for those in the community and truly assist those in their times of need, his influence will be felt in and out of Rochester for generations to follow.

Above all, his family and friendships meant the world to him. He was a doting “Papa” to his beloved granddaughters and so looked forward to meeting his new grandson one day.

Survived by his wife, Cheryl P. (Voelkl) Shah; sons, Raj (Adrienne) Shah and Jon (Cassie) Shah; grandchildren, Maya, Tara, Sloane and Nolan Ishwer Shah; sister, Manju (Ashwin) Shah; brother, Rajni (Manju) Shah; many nieces and nephews.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2021 I.C.’s family will gather for a private memorial service at 3 PM.

On Thursday, February 25, 2021 I.C.’s family is inviting guests to attend a celebration of his life from 11 – 3 PM at Locust Hill Country Club (2000 Jefferson Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534). Due to current COVID-19 limitations on gatherings guests must register for a specific time to visit, please CLICK HERE and register to attend.

In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to the Champion Academy (DONATE ONLINE) or the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester (DONATE ONLINE)