S. Sriram, age 52, of Ann Arbor, passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2026. He was born on November 3, 1973, in India, to Saroja Raghavan and the late Srinivasaraghavan.

He grew up in Chennai, India, where he graduated from DAV Secondary School. From a young age, Sriram had a deep curiosity for the sciences, spending much of his free time reading physics books at the local library. This passion led him to study Material Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). After graduation, Sriram began working in sales for a steel company in Mumbai. During this time, Sriram discovered a growing interest in research and realized that he wanted to pursue an academic career rather than remain in industry. This realization led him to move to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Marketing at Purdue University.

While pursuing his Ph.D., Sriram met his wife, Priya Rajagopal, who was working in Oregon. Not long after meeting her, Sriram knew she was the one and soon proposed. The two were married on March 6, 2003, and began their life together. Sriram cared deeply for Priya; their relationship was filled with inside jokes and laughter, and he loved surprising her and finding little ways to make her smile.

Sriram began his academic career as an assistant professor at SUNY Binghamton before later joining the faculty at the University of Connecticut. His career eventually brought him and Priya to Ann Arbor, where he joined the marketing faculty at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. At Ross, Sriram built a career defined by his commitment to his students, colleagues, and community. He earned tenure and was named the Dwight F. Benton Professor of Marketing. His classes were beloved by students, who adored his enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor. His desire to contribute more broadly to the university eventually led him to serve as Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. He took genuine joy in seeing others succeed and brought care and dedication to every role he held.

One of his most cherished moments was the birth of his daughter, Deeksha Sriram, whom he doted on. He loved spending time with Deeksha and found ways to share in whatever interested her. When she began learning the violin, he decided to learn alongside her so they could play together. When she wanted to start tae kwon do, he joined her, and the two eventually earned their black belts together. When she needed help with physics, math, chemistry, or economics, he was always there, patiently tutoring her night after night.

The curiosity that had defined Sriram since childhood never left him. Though his career ultimately took him into marketing, he continued to the sciences. More than anything, Sriram simply loved to learn. His interests ranged from classic literature to politics to astrophysics to sports. He devoured books, watched documentaries, and loved a thoughtful conversation about a new idea or something he had recently learned. His appreciation for debate was shaped in part by his father, Srinivasaraghavan, who would take him to debate club events as a child. Those experiences fostered in Sriram a lifelong love of exchanging ideas, considering different perspectives, and engaging thoughtfully with the world around him.

Known for his keen sense of style, Sriram loved dressing up in new suits and took immense pride in always looking sharp, whether he was teaching, welcoming new students, or simply going out to dinner with his family. Sriram also found joy in cooking, especially for Priya and Deeksha. He was happiest experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and sharing whatever he made with those he loved. He cared deeply about health and fitness and ran every day with remarkable consistency, imparting that sense of discipline to both his students and his daughter.

Sriram cherished the people in his life and the relationships he formed over the years. He remained close with friends from college and throughout every stage of his life, making an effort to stay connected no matter how much time had passed or how far apart they lived. He remained an active presence in longtime group chats, sharing jokes, stories, and conversations with friends scattered across the world, and made it a point to attend every reunion he could.

Legacy

Sriram will be remembered for his generosity, open-mindedness, endless curiosity, and infectious smile. He is survived by his wife, Priya; his daughter, Deeksha; his mother, Saroja; and many extended family members, colleagues and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Srinivasaraghavan.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sriram’s name may be made to the Biological Chemistry Select Fund. 

Celebration Details

Visitation for S. Sriram will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 11:00 a.m. until the ceremony at 12:30 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. Crematory services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Southern Michigan Services, 12700 Fairlane, Livonia.

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