Naginder Singh proudly serves her community

Naginder Singh embodies the American Dream, having spent over four decades in Rockville Centre, where she has become an integral part of the community.

She was born and raised in India, just a few years before the 1947 partition, which forced her family to flee Pakistan and resettle in New Delhi.

“We became refugees,” Singh explained. “We had to leave our house. We grew up without electricity and were forced to take quarters in Delhi.”

There, she earned a master’s degree and began her career as a history teacher, before getting married and giving birth to her first son. When her husband, Dr. Harbhajan Singh was offered a chance to pursue a career in medicine in the United States, the family moved to Massachusetts in 1968, and nine years later made their way to New York, where they made a home in Rockville Centre.

“Some of the people we met in Massachusetts we are still friends with to this day,” Singh said.

But adjusting to life in America was not easy, particularly for Naginder, who left behind family members, friends and a fulfilling career.

After spending five years in the country on an F2 Visa, she and her husband were able to apply for citizenship in 1979. Soon after she would give birth to her youngest of two boys.

Naginder struggled with feeling isolated at the time, and was at home raising two young children, while her husband was working.

“I wanted to do something,” she said. “My husband spent so much time in the hospital.”

Her husband was well-respected and well-liked by everyone. She recalled that he was a very social person and was regarded with high esteem from patients, coworkers and staff. 

“He was such a giving person,” she said. “As a spouse, I really admired him.”

Things eventually changed for Naginder, when she decided to embrace the opportunities in front of her. She returned to school to earn a second master’s degree in early childhood education and eventually became a caseworker with the Nassau County Department of Social Services, a role she held for 11 years.

Naginder said that at three different times in her life, she became friends with women who helped shape her as a person and provided her the guidance and support that becomes essential when navigating life’s complexities.

Maggie Knowlton, Carole Lerman, and Ann Cerulli were more than friends — they were her anchors in a foreign land. Their advice and companionship shaped Naginder’s approach to life, encouraging her to be proactive in pursuing her goals and to immerse herself in the community.

She considered these three women as family. They were always there for her to lend a sympathetic ear. Naginder said that while Carole and Ann died ten years ago, their influence carries on through her. As for Maggie, nearly 55 years later, she still remains a dear friend.

Naginder’s contributions to Rockville Centre extend far beyond her professional work. She has been an active volunteer, dedicating her time to numerous causes — including helping local veterans, the disabled and children.

Her commitment to service has been a cornerstone of her life, inspired by both her own values and the example set by her late husband, who was a highly respected physician at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital for more than 41 years.

The hospital honored his legacy on Feb. 17, 2017, before he passed away, renaming the library after him, which continues to have an impact on the local medical community to this day.

Her two sons played soccer in RVC and were both Eagle Scouts. Her eldest son, Dr. CJ Singh, would follow in his father’s footsteps and has run a medical practice in Rockville Centre for the last 25 years. Her youngest son, Sarbjit, is currently a professor of sports management at Farmingdale State College. They are both married to accomplished women. One is an author and business school professor, and the other is a pediatrician and a leader in global health. Naginder said she also takes great pride in her two granddaughters who bring her immense joy.

Her life in Rockville Centre has also been marked by her strong relationships with local leaders such as Mayor Eugene Murray and former Recreation Superintendent Tony Brunetta, affectionately known as Mr. B. These friendships have not only enriched her personal life but have also enabled her to contribute meaningfully to the community.

She has also been involved in various initiatives, including “Mr. B’s Playground,” a project named in memory of Brunetta, who died in 2018.

“Growing up in India, I learned from my mother who would knit things for people in our neighborhood,” Singh said. “I think my inspiration also comes from my husband. He was a person who cared beyond himself. I do too…  As a spouse, I really admired him.”

Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and a deep commitment to giving back. Today, Naginder remains an active member of the Rockville Centre community, particularly through her involvement with the Sandel Senior Center. There, she has forged new friendships that continue to enrich her life.

In addition to her involvement at the Sandel Center, she is an active supporter of the Lion’s Club of Rockville Centre, the Mount Sinai South Nassau Veterans Committee, SIBSPlace, the RVC Homemakers Club, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the Backyard Players & Friends and Molloy University.

Despite all of the challenges she has faced along her journey, Naginder Singh considers herself blessed to be living the American Dream in a village that she now calls home.

“I am so fortunate to live here in this village,” she said. “We have a wonderful community here in Rockville Centre.”

She will be receiving the Helen Wrenn Memorial Award from SIBSPlace at its annual fundraiser dinner and auction later this year.