In Memory of Kiritharan Parankirinathan

July 29, 2024

Kiritharan "Kiri" Parankirinathan, ASA 1985, MAAA 1986, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana at the age of 71 years old. Kiri is survived by his mother, Sakunthala Parankirinathan; his son, Jonathan Kiritharan; his daughter, Katrina Kiritharan; his brother, Sivatharan Parankirinathan; and his sister Kowsalai Thavaratnam. He is preceded in death by his father, Parankirinathan Thirugnanasampanthar.

Kiri was born on April 12, 1952, in the small village of Urumpirai in northern Sri Lanka. As an exceptional student, he placed in the 99th percentile on a national exam given to all school-aged Sri Lankans in their final year of schooling. His intelligence and ambition propelled him to be placed at the University of Colombo for his undergraduate studies and eventually on to study at the University of Pittsburgh on scholarship for his graduate degree. He always spoke fondly of his childhood, but he eventually made the difficult decision to stay in America and build his life here. He then graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1980 with a second Master of Science in Mathematics. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1988. In 1990, he married Elisabeth Moore Kiritharan, his partner for 33 years. After moving to Connecticut, Kiri provided for his family by starting his own actuarial service company in 1997. Over the next 26 years, he built two more companies and was issued two patents on actuarial inventions. He was an active member of the Society of Actuaries and regularly wrote articles to be published in The Actuary Magazine from the SOA and spoke at many conferences.

His children lovingly remember him as a charismatic and jovial father and an incredibly driven role model who encouraged them to excel in their education, stand strong in the face of adversity, and pursue their passions.

Kiri was passionate about good food, his work as an actuary, giving back to the community, and taking care of his family. He often indulged in bird-watching, the great outdoors, long talks with old friends, and dining out on cuisines of the world. He routinely made donations to local charities that support women’s rights and the prevention of interpersonal violence. He dutifully helped many family members escape Tamil genocide and emigrate from Sri Lanka. He was diligent in keeping in touch with loved ones, no matter the distance between them.

Kiri returned to Pittsburgh in his final year of life, where he made a priority of spending time with his children, reconnecting with old colleagues and distant friends, and quickly befriending his new neighbors; He enjoyed a continually vibrant social life. Kiri loved to entertain, to make people smile, laugh, and feel good. He was known for his signature jokes, his knowledge of wine, and his decorum. He was a good listener who paid careful attention to those who confided in him.

The family would like to thank the staff in the ICU ward at Tulane University Medical Center for their compassion and grace, and the Fernando family and the Bertolozzi’s for their boundless and selfless support of Katrina and Jonathan while in New Orleans.

Donations in Kiri’s memory may be made to the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, The Center for Empowerment and Education Inc., and/or The Dorothy Day Hospitality House.