Jagath Janapriya Kaluarachchi, a steadfast husband, father, and educator, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at 10:53 AM at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, due to a diagnosis of ALS. He was 70 years old. While his professional achievements were vast, Jagath will be remembered most by those who knew him for his quiet strength, his unwavering dedication to his family, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met.
Born on March 4, 1956, in Matara, Sri Lanka, Jagath was the son of Somapala Kaluarachchi and Nancy Wijeratne Kaluarachchi (Wickremasinghe). His journey from Sri Lanka to Utah was fueled by a lifelong passion for learning. After earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Moratuwa and a master’s in Hong Kong, he moved to the United States to complete his doctorate at Virginia Tech in 1988. Shortly thereafter, on January 31, 1990, he married his wife, Indira Darshani Kaluarachchi (Perera), in Gampaha, Sri Lanka.
That same year, they moved to Logan, Utah, to begin their life together. For over three decades, Jagath was a pillar of the Utah State University community. At the time of his retirement as the Dean of the College of Engineering, he wasn’t just an administrator; he was a mentor who cared deeply about the success of his students and colleagues. He took great pride in building programs that would protect lives, such as the Utah Earthquake Engineering Center, and his work in water resources earned him worldwide respect. Yet, despite his many awards—including the 2007 Robins Award—Jagath remained a humble man who found his greatest joy in the simple successes of those he helped along the way.
To his family, Jagath was a steady and loving presence. He worked tirelessly to provide a beautiful life for his wife and children, eventually retiring to Cottonwood Heights. He cherished every moment spent with his family, offering wisdom and support with a gentle spirit that never wavered, even as he faced the challenges of his illness.
Jagath is survived by his wife, Indira; his son, Rumal; his daughter, Malinka; his son-in-law, Reed; and his sisters, Indra Wijesinghe and Priyadarshani Wickramasinghe. He was a man of immense heart who believed in the power of education to change the world, but believed even more in the importance of home and family.
A visitation to celebrate Jagath’s life and share memories with his family and friends will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, located at 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT 84106. Guests are encourage to park and enter on the north side of the building.
