Elijah N. Sharma

Elijah N. Sharma, 22, was born into Eternal Life Saturday, November 23, 2013. Born in New Hartford, NY, on February 7, 1991, he was the cherished and beloved son of Angel R. & Anita K. (Sharma) Luckina. Elijah attended Sacred Heart School in Utica, NY, until his family relocated to Guilderland, NY, in September 2001. Elijah graduated from Guilderland High School in May 2009. Thereafter, he attended Hudson Valley Community College and UAlbany, graduating in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications, cum laude. He was preparing to attend law school. As a young person, Elijah attended Redeemer church. It was there he learned the love of Jesus and it became second nature for him to always put others first. Elijah was best known for his unwavering advocacy against injustice. He was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and directed that personal discipline towards the betterment of others. Elijah served as the Northeast Regional Director for the Young Democrats, through which he was invited to attend President Obama’s inauguration; he interned with NYSCOBA in Albany, NY, and PETA in Washington, DC (Elijah was a dedicated vegan and animal rights enthusiast), where he was honored with an Outstanding Activist Award; he was appointed to serve as Student Trustee of the Board of Trustees for Hudson Valley Community College; and he was a two time candidate for the Guilderland School Board. Elijah’s volunteer activities are just too extensive to detail. Elijah loved people, all people, and it was his desire to serve them. Elijah also greatly loved the Capital Region. He wanted to spend his life here, and he did. Surviving are his parents, Angel & Anita (Sharma) Luckina; sister, Grace; grandparents, Dr. Yogendra & Kathleen Sharma and Norberto & Donna Rosado; aunts and uncles, Latika Sharma, Dr. Krishn & Sara Sharma, Dr. Aaron & Andrea Sharma, Donald & Tina (Rosado) Bailey, Carmecita Rosado, and Norberto Rosado. Elijah is also survived by great aunts and uncles and cousins too numerous to name. But all loved Elijah and all were loved dearly by him. Elijah’s love for others touched countless people over the years and he made many friends, including long-time childhood friends Graziella, Corrina, McKenzie, and Brie. But one friend, Carmen N. Branca, III, shared a special place in Elijah’s heart. Thank you Carmen for all you did for Elijah. Elijah is also survived by his cat, Apollo. We give thanks to God for allowing us the privilege of sharing Elijah’s life. Elijah was a precious gift that showed us the way to Jesus, the most precious gift of all. We did nothing to deserve these gifts. We also want say thank you to all our family, including our Redeemer family, and friends for the outpouring of love and support. Funeral services, Friday, November 29, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen St., Albany with interment following in Albany Rural Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. To leave a special message for the family on their guest book, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the International Justice Mission, PO Box 96961 Washington, DC 20090-6961

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Elijah N. Sharma

February 7, 1991 - November 23, 2013