Rughnath "Runy" Sarda, Jr.

Born in Manila, Philippines on July 20, 1933 Departed on June 2, 2020 and resided in White Plains, NYPublic Funeral Broadcast: Ballard Durand - White PlainsMonday June 8, 2020 9:00am to 10:00am
Funeral Service Broadcast Monday, June 8 at 9:00 am

Rughnath M. Sarda, Jr. ("Runy") was born in Manila, Philippines on July 20, 1933, the eldest son of Rughnath Rai and Maria Manlunas Sarda.

One of 12 children, Runy grew up in the Philippines. From a young age, he excelled in school, was regarded for his work ethic, and was widely liked. Like most, Runy's family was greatly affected by WWII, which brought tense encounters and ultimately caused them to relocate several times. His family moved around the Philippines and even to India for a brief period, where he and his siblings spent time living in a convent run by Irish sisters. Upon turning 18, he joined the Philippine Air Force, where he graduated top of his class and developed a love for flying. He went on to earn an LLB from Baguio Colleges Foundation (now known as University of the Cordilleras).

On July 29, 1959, he married his lifelong companion, Linda Salvosa. Shortly after, they immigrated to the United States, so Runy could attend Yale Law School. After earning his Master of Laws degree (LLM), he practiced tax law at Silverstein and Mullens in Washington, D.C., then moved to Dallas, TX to practice corporate law at Locke, Purnell, Boren, Laney, and Neely.

After several years as a successful lawyer, he transitioned into the business world as International Finance Manager for the Far East at Pepsico, Inc (Dallas, TX). He went on to head International Leasing Activities for the Manufacturers Hanover Leasing Corporation (NY, NY) and eventually became Chairman, President, and Founder of the American Express Leasing Corporation (NY, NY).

At the peak of his corporate career, Runy was an Executive Vice President of the American Express Bank (NY, NY), and was at various times, the Chief Executive for the bank's activities in the sub-continent, Asia and the Pacific Basin; Europe and the Middle East; global correspondent banking; and global joint ventures. Throughout his career, he visited over 100 countries and established 18 national branch companies.

Additionally, Runy acquired and presided over the operations of American Key Products, American Key Food Products, Filipinas Dravo Corporation, and S Henle, Inc. He also became the CEO of Extelcom, and through that company, installed the first, countrywide cellular network in the Philippines.

In 1982, the University of the Cordilleras Law School awarded Runy an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree (LLD) for invaluable service to his country and the Filipino people through his professional excellence in both international legal systems and international business.

Runy was widely admired for his generosity. Along with his wife, Linda, he founded Project Matthew, a not-for-profit organization that feeds and educates thousands of Filipino street children each year. A strong believer in the value of education, he also supported a number of extended family members through their educational careers to pursue college degrees.

Throughout his life, Runy was a devout Catholic, a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, an avid poker and mahjong player, and could always be heard singing his favorite American standards. He is celebrated and remembered by his family for his positive spirit, resilience, and ever-present sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Runy and Linda raised their children in Tarrytown, NY and Dallas, TX. Until recently, they spent their time equally between their homes in White Plains, NY and Manila, Philippines. When not in NY or the Philippines, they spent their time visiting or vacationing with their four children and 11 grandchildren in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, and Florida.

Runy passed away on June 2nd, 2020 with his wife at his side and surrounded by his loved ones virtually. He died of natural causes, after valiantly battling prostate cancer and heart disease for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda; their four children David, Evangeline, Maya, and Ivan; his 11 grandchildren (who knew him as Pum Pum) Elise, Theron, Carina, Jon Luke, Caroline, Caye, Halina, Ben, Natalia, Catarina, and Julia; and his siblings Luxmi, Tita, Sita, Lidya, Boogie, Lila, Ram, Monti, Nandy, and Rabin. He was preceded in death by his sister Mira.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or the White Plains Hospital-two institutions that provided great care and support to Runy and his family. https://giving.mskcc.org/ ; https://www.wphospital.org/foundation/donate-now