Jay Anupam Dasgupta, 54, of Eau Claire passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his home from sudden cardiac death. Jay was born on June 17, 1968, to the late Ananta and Sandhya (Som) Dasgupta in Dacca, Bangladesh. He immigrated to the US to Plateville, WI with his family to escape political violence and to pursue the American dream. He moved to Eau Claire, WI when he was 6 years old. In Eau Claire, he found a home and community he cherished until his death.
Jay attended Memorial High School and graduated in 1986. He worked many hospitality jobs, including at Mona Lisa’s, Minneapolis Club, and more recently as a bartender at Dive Bar at the Lismore Hotel. It was at the Lismore, where Jay’s creativity shined, creating signature drinks, and collaborating with the head chef.
Jay was passionate about many things. In addition to gourmet cooking, Jay loved all things sports, especially baseball and football. A lifelong Green Bay Packer’s fan, Jay eagerly awaited football season each year to join his friends in fantasy football leagues. He also was a big fan of music and the band Queen. Perhaps his biggest obsession, however, was connecting with other people. He treasured time with family and friends and touched the lives of many in both small and large ways by his authenticity, empathy, and kindness.
Jay is survived by his mother, Sandhya Dasgupta of Eau Claire; sisters Ruma Thomas (Bloomington, MN), Ruby (Eden Prairie, MN) and Noel (Indianapolis, IN); three nephews and a niece. Jay was preceded in death by his father, Ananta Dasgupta.
Although his time on this earth was much too short, Jay blessed the lives of so many. He will be remembered and missed by all. A Private Hindu Prayer Service will be held at a date to be determined. A celebration of life reception will be held at the Lismore Hotel on Sunday, August 7th between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to Smith Funeral Chapel at 2222 London Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Friends and family may leave online condolences below.
We have known Jay for decades through the many drinks purveyed for us and exceptional conversations. We considered him a good friend and are shocked by his sudden passing.
He will be missed.
Jay was a friend taken too early! I still can’t believe it to be true. Not an ounce of bad in him! All good that I’ve witnessed over the years! Truly someone I always looked forward to being around! That’s an awesome legacy to leave behind. It was my honor to be his friend! Jay, “Scoop” you will be greatly missed!
We will miss you, Jay. We were always happy to see your smiling face.
My condolences to Jay’s family. I was a student with him at Manz school, Central/South, and Memorial. He was a very sweet and kind person.
Jay was a childhood friend, I have the fondest memories talking sports and playing catch with him after school. My sincere condolences to his family, he will be missed by all who knew him.
I just wanted to let you know how deeply sorry I am to hear of Jay’s passing. Jay was friends with my brothers Tom and Pete. I started HS the year after Jay graduated so I did not really know him until I was in my 20’s and we did not really know each other well. He would come to my father’s bar occasionally with my brother Pete’s friends and I would continue to know Jay like this for most of my life, with hellos and a short conversation. The last time was at the Dive Bar in 2018. He was bartending we again briefly spoke. I have lived far away from EC for the last 24 years and Jay would always come to mind several times a year as a great guy that I always wished I knew better. When Peter passed away in 2011 and I came home for Pete’s Celebration of Life. Jay made sure to come and say hi to me and my entire family.
On behalf of all the Bement’s (Mary, Tom, Lisa, and myself) So sorry for this huge loss in your family. Jay touched all our lives and by just being himself, made our lives better.
Sincerely,
Joe Bement