Roengrit Sriken

Roengrit (“Rit” / “Ricky”) Sriken, 81, passed away on June 1, 2026 at his home in Jamaica, NY surrounded by his family.

Born on October 16, 1944 in Udon Thani, Thailand, he was the youngest child of Toeng Sriken and Beng Papakdi.

He will be remembered for his curiosity and sense of adventure. It was these traits that brought him from Thailand to New York City in 1969. Roengrit studied civil engineering at The City College of New York, completing his studies in 1973. He went on to have a career as a design draftsman where he planned and designed buildings to be functional and elegant. In December 1975 he married Barbara Caluag, with his dear friend Nakom as their witness.

As a draftsman, Roengrit admired clean, sleek lines and simplicity in architectural design. He especially liked the Flatiron building in Manhattan. When he would take walks around the city, he would make impromptu visits to beautiful buildings that caught his eye.

He loved learning about cultural practices in his chosen country via cooking different cuisines. He was famous in his neighborhood for cooking a spicy Thai steak salad during his backyard barbecues. Roengrit also enjoyed gardening and would spend his spring swapping fresh fruits and aromatic herbs with his neighbors. 

Even into his later life, he was an explorer and liked seeing and trying new things. He never missed an opportunity to see the annual car show, try sashimi at different Japanese restaurants, or imbibe anything with alcohol. He even developed a fondness for the K-pop group Blackpink in his last years.

Roengrit had the gift of gab and loved to strike up conversations with neighbors and shopkeepers around the neighborhood. Given his love of speaking, he also enjoyed listening to the speeches of great orators, often murmuring, “Beautiful! Beautiful!” during turns of phrase that especially moved him.

He is also remembered for the connections he shared with others. He often joked and busted the chops of his kids and their friends. And he doted on his grandchildren, always wanting to share their favorite snacks.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their five children: Julie, Lisa, Andrew, Brian, and Chad. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Ethan, Audrey, and Maxine, as well as his older brother Vijit. He was preceded in death by his father, Toeng, and his mother, Beng.

A wake will be held on

Thursday, June 11, 2026 & Friday, June 12, 2026

5 PM to 8 PM

Neufeld Funeral Home

88-04 43rd Avenue 

Elmhurst, NY 11373

Livestreaming of the wakes will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

A memorial service will be held on 

Saturday, June 13, 2026 

10 AM

Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram

76-16 46th Avenue 

Elmhurst, NY 11373

The service will be followed by a final goodbye at Neufeld Funeral Home and then a procession to the Fresh Pond Crematory by 1 PM.

All who loved Roengrit are invited to attend. Heartfelt expressions of condolence are welcome.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roengrit Sriken, please visit our floral store.