On February 13, 2026, Raj Kumar Chopra passed away at his home in Westbury, New York, shortly after a rare cancer diagnosis. Chopra lived courageously with Parkinson’s disease for many years and was 85 years old at the time of his passing. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Asha, and is survived by his three children; Geeta, Mona and Raj Junior, and his granddaughter Avana Grace. 

Raj.pngRaj Kumar Chopra
Known throughout the industry as an innovator and pioneer, Chopra, known simply as “Raj” was esteemed for his groundbreaking development of a superior delivery system for Coenzyme Q10 and a patented hydrosoluble formulation that still helps millions around the world today. An undergrad from L.M. College of Pharmacy in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Academic Merit and University First Rank in addition to a full scholarship to the Columbia University School of Pharmacy where he completed his graduate studies. After many years in his field, Raj became one of the leading experts in chewable multivitamin formulations, timed-release formulations, and bio-enhanced supplements.

A mentor to many, Raj received several accolades throughout his career including:

  • 2006 The Mark Bieber award. Presented by the American College of Nutrition in recognition of his outstanding academic accomplishments and distinguished contributions in the nutrition industry
  • 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) honored Dr. Chopra with its prestigious accolade which spotlights individuals who have "devoted their hearts and minds to the betterment of society through ethical and diligent business leadership."
  • Diwali award, presented by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin - Queens Long Island chapter. A recognition given to individuals who consistently give back to their communities.

A devoted leader within our industry, Raj consistently showed his goodwill to underserved communities throughout the world. Through his role within the Tishcon Corp., which he cofounded in 1976 and last served as Chairman, Raj was an active supporter of the Vitamin Angels initiative. A generous contributor and donator, he pledged over 20 million high potency vitamin A softgels to help prevent blindness caused by the nutrient's deficiency in infants and children, as well as prenatal vitamins to supplement the diets of pregnant women and multivitamins for young children, actions that resulted in the organization recognizing him with its Vitamin Relief Guardian Angel Award. 

In 2022, WholeFoods magazine featured Raj as part of a leadership series. In his profile, he explained how investing in its employees success played a major role in the company's own success. "The Tishcon Corp. philosophy has always been to give team members the tools and knowledge that will enable them to reach their full potential both in the company and in their careers. Team members’ growth has fueled the growth of the company, from a small start-up to a major producer with multiple manufacturing and R&D facilities."

News of the passing reverberated across the natural products space. WholeFoods Magazine owner, Publisher and Vice President of Media Heather Wainer was deeply saddened by the announcement, reflecting on her friendship with Dr. Chopra. "It was always a privilege to see or speak with Raj. He always greeted you with a smile and a joke and he continuously shared the knowledge he had acquired from so many years in our industry. He mentored so many and was a friend to all. He will truly be missed."

Fellow colleague, Arzoo Fatima, Director of Formulation & Product Development, at Tishcon Corp. expressed deep gratitude for her late advisor, "As someone he personally mentored, I experienced firsthand his intellectual rigor, moral clarity, and insistence on originality. He encouraged resilience in the face of skepticism and a commitment to scientific integrity. His longstanding support of Vitamin Angels reflected his belief that innovation must translate into service to the underserved.

"In our first meeting, upon learning that Urdu was my mother tongue, he recited a verse of Ghalib with my name woven into it, a gesture that revealed his warmth, cultural pride, and gift for making others feel seen. Raj’s legacy endures not only in patents and accolades, but in the standards he set, the minds he sharpened, and the lives his work continues to improve."

A true leader, known for his unique management style, he led with compassion, warmth, and wisdom. "It is with deep sadness — and deep gratitude — that we honor the life of Raj Chopra. Raj was a friend to many, a remarkable contributor to his industry, and a man whose character left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. To call him a friend and mentor was a privilege. He led not only with intelligence and vision, but with generosity, integrity, and heart," shared Scott Steinford, Trust Transparency. "His impact reaches far beyond titles or accomplishments. It lives on in the people he guided, the standards he elevated, and the example he set. Though he will be greatly missed, his contributions and influence will continue to serve and inspire for years to come.

"Our condolences to Raj, his family, and all his blessed team at Tishcon. Thank you, Raj — for your leadership, your friendship, and the legacy you leave behind."

Funeral services were carried out per his requests during a private family ceremony on Monday, February 16, 2026 and a virtual gathering to honor his life was held on February 25th. A celebration of life will be held on April 19th in New York. As an alternative to sending flowers, his family has requested donations be made in Raj K. Chopra’s honor to causes he was devoted to:

American Indian College Fund: collegefund.org/

The INN (supporting individuals facing hunger and homelessness): the-inn.org/

Parkinson’s disease research: give.michaeljfox.org/team/806327

To read more about Raj K. Chopra and share your stories, photographs and condolences: www.legacy.com/legacy/raj-chopra

Remembering Industry Leaders