Stanley Vasa

Mr. Stanley "Stan" Sundar Vasa, 62, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Monday, July 29, 2013 at his home. He was born on February 23, 1951 in Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, to Manoharam and Krupabai Vasa. Stan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Master of Science degree in Meteorology and Oceanography from the prestigious Andhra University in India. He obtained an additional Master of Science degree in meteorology and engineering from the North Carolina State University. Subsequently, he worked in the Environmental Assessment Department of Southern Company in Birmingham for 26 years. In this position, he led efforts to assess the air quality impacts of Southern Company facilities in the Southeast, using sophisticated state-of-the-art computer simulation models, and made major contributions to implementation of air quality regulations under the Clean Air Act. His Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) credentials and his Chairmanship of the Toxic Air Pollutants Division of the Air and Waste Management Association reflect his professional skills. Stan was a very active participant in community and civic organizations. He served as President of the Indian Association in Birmingham from 1996 to 1998, and was responsible for initiating outreach programs for the underprivileged in Birmingham and an annual India-US Friendship Day Event, showcasing cultures of the two countries and promoting diversity. He was also a board member for the Indian Association and the National Conference for Community and Justice for several years, and an active member of the Birmingham Indian Bible Study Group. As a passionate advocate for the underprivileged, he founded “Helping Hands,” an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged orphans in urban and rural areas of India. Stan is survived by his wife, Yeshanthi Maria, and three children, Josh, Grace and Vishall. Visitation will be held at the Currie Jefferson Memorial Home (off Hwy 150), 2701 John Hawkins Pkwy Hoover, AL 35244, on Friday, August 2, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A service celebrating Stan’s life will be held at the same venue on Saturday, August 3, at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow.