PJ Lavsi is a man in motion. He’s committed to a regular exercise routine, actively involved with his grandchildren, and enthusiastic about world travel. The retired pharma financial executive has been married to his wife, Roshni, for 45 years and has spent most of that time right here, in New Jersey.

After spending the bulk of his career on the financial side of big pharma, with companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb and Bayer, PJ retired about six years ago. With two grown daughters living nearby, he’s made it job number one to spend time with his family. “Seeing my grandchildren and being there to babysit – that is my priority now,” he said, with a big smile. “Roshni and I came to this country from India, each with $42 in our pockets. I want my grandchildren to understand life is not always a bed of roses, it’s ok to have disappointment instead of everything you want.”

Soon after retiring and becoming a full-time grandparent, PJ attended a BTDC picnic, met Nancy D’Andrea and was warmly welcomed into the local Democratic community. He mourns the fact that, “There was a time when people could talk to each other about politics and different viewpoints.” Today, PJ feels we must use our intelligence and common sense to cut through often-skewed conservative media “news.”

PJ represents District 17, regularly attends monthly BTDC meetings and often volunteers at events. Most importantly, he is engaged in all that he attends, saying, “I don’t feel that our group is as diverse as I’d like it to be, so I believe it’s important for me to speak and share my opinions.”  

PJ went to Catholic schools in India and realized early on that all religions overlap and lend an element of diversity that he really appreciates.

Outside of politics, PJ enjoys yoga and golf and has become a very active traveler. He’s been on safari sleeping in a jungle tent beside a roaring lioness, and he has enjoyed time in the Maldives, Iceland, Portugal and Spain. A trip to Korea is on tap for the Lavsis; when Roshni celebrates her next big birthday, they hope to be in Hawaii. 

— Jen Aaron