Abdul Razak Sheikh

Abdul Razak Sheikh was born on July 12, 1933 in Hyderabad, British India and passed away on November 22, 2016 at home in Ithaca, New York.

Abdul Razak left Pakistan in 1960 for New York City. He met his wife Emma Lou Orr in 1964 at an international fair at her college in Glassboro, New Jersey. They were married in December 1965 and moved to Ventnor, NJ where Emma Lou worked as a teacher and Abdul Razak worked for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. They made a trip together in 1970 to visit Abdul Razak’s family in Pakistan. On their return, they opened their first House of Shalimar boutique on Broadway and 111th Street in New York City. In 1973, they moved to Trumansburg, NY with their 2 young daughters, Lara and Sara and opened a House of Shalimar on College Ave. in Ithaca. Rabia, their youngest daughter, was born the following year.

Abdul Razak was a true entrepreneur and achieved the American Dream in his over 40 years as an Ithaca businessman until he sold his last store, T-Shirt Express, in 2015. His success was fueled by his generous nature and love of family and many close friends whom he treated as family.

Abdul Razak had a strong desire to help those in need. He sponsored many Pakistani friends and family who wanted to build lives in the US and provided endless support and friendship over decades and generations of families.

Abdul Razak never forgot his family and friends in Pakistan, and contributed greatly to his family and village there. He was a loyal son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. Abdul Razak was an avid hunter and became a legend in Sindh, Pakistan amongst local hunters who anxiously awaited his annual return during hunting season. He also enjoyed hunting in the hills of Spencer, NY every year with his American and Pakistani friends.

As Abdul Razak was preparing for hunting season November 2015, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer. With faith, humility and acceptance he adjusted to the slow decline of his physical capacities. He was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife and his extended family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Emma Lou, daughters Lara Rehana, Sara Gabrielle and Rabia Miriam; grandchildren Massoud Violette Sheikh and Claudia Beltran; siblings, nieces and nephews in America and Pakistan.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the Spring of 2017. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to the Islamic Community Outreach Services. 111 East Seneca St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or any charity of your choice.