Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Arindam Purkayastha Obituary
Windsor: Dr. Arindam Purkayastha, a surgeon at Barnes Kasson Hospital in Susquehanna, PA, passed away at his home in Windsor, NY, on February 26, 2015. Dr. Purkayastha was born in Sylhet, currently Bangladesh, in 1940. He graduated from Calcutta National Medical College, and moved to the USA in 1968. He eventually settled in Windsor, and happily dedicated 40 years of his life to his patients in Susquehanna as a board certified surgeon. He was a warm, spontaneous man with a lively sense of humor, who loved life and a good laugh, and was always eager to hear or tell a good joke. He was a natural storyteller who enjoyed sharing tales of his inadvertent adventures with people he encountered in his travels. Dr. Purkayastha was generous by nature, and loved nothing more than helping others. Nobody was insignificant to him. Along with his wife, Deepa, he provided a 'home away from home' for many Indian graduate students in the region. He was an advocate for the Indian community, who never hesitated to write letters to presidents concerning causes close to his heart. Widely respected in his community, he was an inspiration to many and championed the qualities of resilience and optimism, traits he invoked as a life-long Buffalo Bills fan. His beloved wife, Deepa Purkayastha, preceded Dr. Purkayastha in death. He is survived by his two daughters, Tania and Amrita; sons-in-law, Biren Parikh and Deb Bhowmick; grandson, Nayan Parikh; granddaughters, Arianna Parikh and Maya Bhowmick; and his siblings in the US and India. Let us remember this life-embracing, all-giving, kind and loving father, physician, mentor and friend. A memorial service will be held March 28th from 3pm - 6pm at the Indian Cultural Center in Vestal, NY. The family asks that any donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Deepa & Arindam Purkayastha Scholarship Fund at Binghamton University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arindam Purkayastha
Sponsored by anonymous.
Himendu Chaudhuri
February 25, 2020
A great man dedicated to others and extend help anyway he could. He will remain in our heart for ever.
Himendu Chaudhuri
February 25, 2020
I have not seen a person like Arindam, who was dedicated to help others anyway he can. His passing away is a loss to anyone who knows him. I know him from childhood and he was always the same dedicated to helping others in anyway he can. His passing away is a big loss although he will be remembered for ever.
Subijoy Dutta
March 7, 2019
Arindamda (often I called him Anjan da, as he preferred that) liked to hear Yamuna and other River stories whenever I returned from India trip. In his memory I added the pictures from my most recent trip to India Feb 3rd to 24th, 2019.
The pics are from Kollengode, Kerala, where I visited the Sriprojects - Society for Rural Improvement (Sri) by Dr. Praphakar Puth, Checked the waters of a few Rivers in Kerala, Pune and others, attended cultural programs etc. as below -
o Pathanda River, Kollengode, Kerala
o Pavana River Sunset, Pune
o Annual Program at the Sri Vidyalaya, Kollengode, Kerala
o Visit to Sai Temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
details are on the web at https://rowfoundation.org
ROW-team activities in 18 towns/cities Feb 5 to 24, 2019 in India - Maps and Pictures
Sanju Choudhury
March 4, 2019
At one time I was visiting him in his house at Binghamton NY, I sat down to have a beer, he said with a very surprising voice you drink? It was funny when I was reaching for the second bottle, he immediately jumped of his chair looked at me and said, second one.....I don't think he ever saw a person having more then one beer at a time. It was a fun filled evening with lots of songs and also having his dear friend from India Kumarda.
Pune sunset
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Pavana River at Sunset
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Sri Vidyalaya Teachers
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Pavana River, Pune
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Kollengode, Kerala, Feb 16, 2019. Society for Rural Improvement (SRI) Vidyalaya Anniversary Function
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Chennai Sai Temple during Aarati
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Kollengode, Kerala - River Water testing. Arindomda loved those and always wanted to hear the stories.
Subijoy Dutta
March 2, 2019
Penny Fitch
February 24, 2019
Arindam Purkay, was my Family Dr. from the time i was 19 years old. until his passing in 2015, close to 40 years. He was the most kind, compassionate and caring man. He always took time to talk to me and calm my nerves if needed. He also cared for my children. Not only was he my Dr, I am honored to call him my friend. Thank you for remembering me on this anniversary , He is very missed and none can compare to this great man. May he rest in heavenly peace.
Utpal and Baruna Deb
February 24, 2019
Dear Arindamda, you will always be there in our hearts. Baruna and I will never forget our last meeting in 2012 and the lunch we enjoyed with you that day. May your soul rest in peace.
Deepa Majumdar
November 14, 2015
I am so sorry I did not even know you were sick, Dr. Purkayastha and that I got to know you via e-mail so late in life. I have been mourning your loss all evening today. This good earth has lost a good good soul. RIP.
April 6, 2015
Anjanda (Arindam Purkayastha) is a first cousin of mine from my father's sight. Last time I met him was after my marriage in 1973-74 in Kolkata; however we did maintain contact thru e-mail.Anjanda's home in Shillong (Assam, India)was next to ours and the two households with 9 siblings/cousin was a delight.The companionship continued when he shifted to Kolkata for his medical studies and I for higher schooling.A delightful teacher...used to tutor me on physiology whenever he dropped in from his hostel He carries away with him a lot of "camelot" memories of our growing up. Rest in peace Anjanda, free from pain and suffering.I wonder how Linudi is.My condolence to my nieces whom I never met, but wish to do so some-day.
March 28, 2015
A big heart. An unconditional kindness towards fellow men. An indefatigable sense of humor. An unfathomable forbearance. All that is our Arindamda. We are grateful for you being there. We will miss you a lot. Subal and Damayanti
Dev Devadoss
March 28, 2015
I met Dr. A. Purkayastha during turmoil we went through in early 2000 in ICC. He was one of the calm reasoning person in the room to resolve misunderstanding among us. He made everyone special and respected. Surely we will miss him. Let us follow his example to respect each other and love humanity.
Ramprasad Patnaik
March 28, 2015
March27,2015
I lost one of my best friends,Dr.Arindam Purkayastha.Our friendship lasted more than 45 years.He was a very sincere,affectionate,kind hearted and loving person.May his soul rest in heavenly peace with his wife Deepa.Our sincere condolence to Tania and Amrita and family.
Himendu Chaudhuri
March 19, 2015
We were close friends since 1950 or even earlier. In school we used to seat next to each other. In college also we tried to seat that way. My main purpose of coming to USA was because of his encouragement. His life was definitely for others. A man always eager to find good things in others and encourage them to grow. For such a long time I was in his association, I can mention about numerous people for whom he had sincere praise and respect.I only want to say good people in general have a short life. We have lost a good person, a good friend and a man who used to inspire us all the time to do something worthwhile. Anything we wanted to do, he used to say yes, go on doing. That was always his supporting and encouraging words.
March 17, 2015
I never met Arindam da. I knew him as a close friend of my cousin K K Das.Heard about him in conversations of other cousins , Mitali, Aparna, Baruna and Shiv.Yet when I was in the USA and fell short of a special medicine I did not hesitate to call him and asked for his help.He was kind to send the medicine to Los Angeles. I remember his kindness with heavy heart. He will be in my memory, a person whom I never met.
SILCHAR 2010
kumar das
March 16, 2015
My tribute to Arindamda(Dr.Purkayastha)can be summareized under three heads:our acquaintance,his altruism and his dignity in his final days.
Our acquaintance dates back to 1968 when he moved to USA.I cannot remember a single day when we did not talk to each other on some subject or other.So,my pangs of sorrow because of this loss can be well understood.
Altruism is the religion he lived by.He was ready to help anyone in need.His material and ideological support considerably enriched and enhanced my experience when I moved to India in 1987 and still do.Most of his friends and relatives are well aware of this.
The dignity and bravery that exuded in his final days is exemplary.When I entered his room arriving from India on 23rd.December his first words were to the effect that this sort of affair(health condition)cannot go on for long.Being a doctor myself I knew exactly what he meant.QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.
May his soul rest in eternal peace in heavenly abode and may god give his family the strength and fortitude to face this big void
SMSB Silchar 2010
March 16, 2015
March 16, 2015
We remember Dr Arindam Purkayastha and his late wife Deepa (Kaku and Kakima) with great affection and respect. We have admired their courage and received their kindness when we visited Jayant (Minoti's brother).
Minoti and Moloy Dutta, Milton Keynes, UK.
Jayant Ganguly
March 14, 2015
Dr. Purkayasthha was one of the finest persons I have met. Generous in heart, full of humor and always available for help and advice.
Baruna and Utpal Deb, New Delhi, India
March 13, 2015
Baruna and Utpal Deb, New Delhi, India
March 13, 2015
With Arindam-da, relatives and friends at his house, Oct 2012, Windsor
Baruna and Utpal Deb, New Delhi, India
March 13, 2015
March 11, 2015
It is heartbreaking to accept the reality. I will no longer hear his ever enthusiastic voice , encouraging words and warm smile.He was an active patron of our Sundari Mohan Seva Bhawan Hospital at Srikona, Assam
India. He was always deeply involved with our activities.He was a regular visitor to our hospital too.When I called him few days ago , he wished to come and stay with us but for his failing health.
I deeply appreciate his enthusiasm and support for our various hospital development schemes.I remember his keen interest on our Solar power and Rainwater harvesting project. He used to call me time and again to
know the progress.He was a great soul.I had the opportunity to see many wonderful facets of his life. His absence is a great loss to us. May his memory remain with us in a befitting way.
Hope we can do something to keep his memory alive in Sundari Mohan Seva Bhawan.
- Ujjal ( Dr.Aniruddha Biswas, Silchar,India)
Sandeep & Lilly Mitra
March 8, 2015
We are both very sad to hear of the passing of Arindam mesho. I remember the time way back in 1989 when he used to pick me up from my student apartment and take me over to his Windsor home for sumptuous dinners and great conversation ... he brightened my grad student life in Binghamton. We hope he has found peace.
Subijoy & Urmi Dutta
March 7, 2015
-
- , ?
Trying an English Translation of the above -
From the Shillong mountaintop, Arindamada was pouring incessant shower of love
distributing it from all sides.
He started the Shillong focus - a small group from Shillong. While breathing in and out he had the same question - how is this running and how will this amazing group run?
Abhijit Biswas
March 6, 2015
I knew Dr. Purkayastha as Anjan Da since my earliest childhood when we were neighbors in Shillong. He was a great role model and a generous and caring person. We crossed paths several times and kept in touch. May his memory be cherished and inspire his children and grandchildren.
Pauline Magliulo
March 5, 2015
Dr. Purkay. Was a wonderful Dr. And Person. When i was 15 years old. He did surgery on my left have. He did an Excellent job. Never had anymore problems with it. He will be missed dearly. Rip. My dear friend.. Love you.
Bachu,Dilu,Tapati,Monoj, & Mala
March 5, 2015
It is heart breaking to learn about the demise of Arindamda.May his departed soul rest in peace.Our sincerest condolence to Dola,Paula & other family members.
Katrina Simon
March 5, 2015
Dear Amrita & family, I am very sorry for your loss! I had met your dad only twice but those moments plus the stories you told sticked to my mind and let me think of him as a a very special person, loving father, open-minded, spontaneous and generous men with extraordinary committment to his beliefs, values and interests! It wish I had more chances to meet him personally. We think of you in those sad times. Love, Katrina, Carsten & Anton
Kevin Murphy
March 4, 2015
Dr. Purkay was a good doctor and an extremely caring person. He saved my life back in 1990. I never forgot him for doing this for me and more impressive was that he never forgot me! My condolences to his family. He will bemissed by all who came to know him.
March 4, 2015
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. TERESA SELBY/TANNER
Melanie Richards Weaver
March 4, 2015
Dr. Purkay was always so good and caring with my migraines. Always remembered my name. I have moved to Florida but still respect him for his demeanor with people,
Chris and Renee Condon
March 3, 2015
Tania and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a nice man that always had a smile for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
dorothy wayman
March 3, 2015
We miss you you was a good Dr so fly high Love the wayman family
Steve Kasmarcik
March 3, 2015
Amrita and Tania, I first meet you dad during the flood of 2006 and even during those difficult days your dad had a positive outlook. Since then I spent many hours with your day and he has been a positive influence to me. He is one of the best men I have had the honor to call friend. He will be greatly missed and will remain in my memories forever. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Mary Jo
March 3, 2015
Dear Tania and Amrita, your father was a wonderful person.we worked together in the OR for many years. He always was so caring for his patients and those of us who worked with him. He will be missed!
March 3, 2015
Dr.Purkayastha will be missed by everyone.We are away from Susquehanna and just found out he has left us. Our most sincere condolences to his two daughters and their lovely families,With much love,Ernesto and Maggie
Dr.Rabin Sankar Choudhury
March 3, 2015
He was one of my best friend and class mate too.Though after graduation from C.N.M.C.he went abroad and settled in U.S.A but our friend ship remain for ever.We met only twice, but our contact was through mail or phone.He donated Rs.20,000 to Paripurnata Half Way home for mentally ill women,at Kolkata on my appeal to him.He was very generous and kind hearted.May his soul rest in peace.
Kristin Stapleton
March 3, 2015
Amrita and Tania,
Words cannot adequately express how sad and heartbroken I am to hear about your father's passing. He was one of the friendliest people I have ever met. I remember him always exuding a welcoming and jovial demeanor...genuinely happy to see me and our friends whenever we would visit. Even if we were having a bad day, he had the kind of personality that would make you smile. Dr. Purkay always had a camera in close reach to capture our high school shenanigans...much to our dismay :) I will always remember him with his camera and his genuinely sweet disposition. I will be thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time and wish I could give you both a big hug. So sorry again for your loss!
Robert Jenson
March 3, 2015
I had the pleasure of having Dr. Purkayastha as my customer. He was a very special person, kind and giving. I truely enjoyed our talks. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him will feel a huge loss. I will miss him and his smile. Thoughts and Prayers to the family. Bob the Barber
tina parsons
March 3, 2015
R.I.P. Dr Purkay,will never forget you,you were a good doctor,a good friend to my family,we are gonna miss your smile and jokes,may god bless you and your family...fly high with the angels
Sudipta & Subimal Chatterjee
March 3, 2015
We really really miss you Arindamda. Our hearts are heavy, but recounting your stories puts the smile back on our face.
Dola/Paula your Dad will live forever in our hearts.
Baruna and Utpal Deb
March 3, 2015
We met Arindamda only once while on a visit to the USA in 2012. We found him to be a warm and hospitable person who welcomed us to his home where we had lunch before proceeding to Niagara Falls. We are shocked to hear of his passing and would like to offer our deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
To my beloved friend
Dr. Rabin Sankar Choudhury
March 3, 2015
He was my classmate and was very generous.He donated Rs.20,000/ to Paripurnata Half Way Home for mentally ill women, at Kolkata on my single apple to him. I am very much shocked after hearing the sad news. May his soul rest in peace.
Sumit , Sudeshna, R, S & D Ray
March 2, 2015
Words cannot even begin to express the sadness and heartache we feel. ArindamDa & DeepaDi touched our lives in so many ways; we will cherish the memories we shared. Dola & Paula, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Carol Jackson
March 2, 2015
Wonderful man & a great Dr. He loved to teach &was so much fun to work with. His caring demeanor & amusing stories will be greatly missed.
March 2, 2015
BWe knew Dr. Purvey & his family for long time. He was a very Good friend of our. Will miss him.
Sarita & Waman karandika
March 2, 2015
Your spirit lives on Dr.Purkay. Your are free now. Fly with the Eagles. Your work on earth is done, now serve the Lord. Be at peace and your love will live on in the lives you left behind . Your family and friends have been well blessed to have you in their life. God bless them all .
Tina & Robert Hall
March 2, 2015
Tania and Amrita, I want to express our sincere sympathies at your fathers passing. Dr. Purkay was a great physician, but most of all he was a wonderful friend to all he encountered. He was always there if you had a concern, he would stop you in the hall to see how you were he would seek you out to see if you were doing better. I couldn't thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I am thankful that I got to speak with him last week before his passing. He will be missed.
Christine Race
March 2, 2015
Tania and Amrita,
I wish you for you peace and comfort during this time. Your father was just a joyful man. May you both be able to share in your happy memories.
March 2, 2015
I worked with Dr Purkay years ago He was a great doctor and had a very understanding bedside manner Sorry for your loss
Sanju Choudhury
March 2, 2015
I became friends with Dr. Purkayastha over a phone call over 8 years ago. Since that call we connected with each other almost every weekend and visited with each other. What a guy he was, always gave the best advises and he always meant the very best for me and my family. I will always miss our Sunday phone calls. Love you Arindamda. Thank you for all the time you gave me, you will be missed every weekend.
Kadan and Purnima Sau
March 2, 2015
We will miss this down-to-earth medicine man. What a simple and wise friend, "Dada" and physician.
Kadan and Purnima Sau. Silver Spring, MD.
Patti Harting
March 2, 2015
To the family, sorry for your loss. Doc would come in to chat at the Community House to find out what was happening in the village and to share magazines. He was a great doctor and a good man. He will be missed.
Sandra Plunkett-Cyphers
March 2, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together,as you celebrate a life well lived.My condolences.
Sandra Greene
March 2, 2015
To the family
Dr. Purkay was a friend to all he meant. Cared for his patients like he would family a pleasant man. His smiling face has been missed for awhile now he can be with his lovely wife and RIP.
March 2, 2015
May he rest in PEACE.
Carol Matechak Chaykosky
March 2, 2015
I spent many mornings talking to Dr. Purkay over a cup of coffee at the Purkay House. He was a very kind and caring man. He even laughed about taking CPR every year with Drs. Shah and Saran. Great memories.
Joyanto Ray
March 2, 2015
I relationship with late DR; A.Purkayastha began in a strange way. I delivered a death-message of the mother of one of his friends over phone fronm Germany in 1990. Since then till to his death he was not only my best friend but I regarded him as my older brother. I will carry the memory of our friendship in my heart till to my last breathe. Thy God grant him eternal peace.
March 2, 2015
You was a good dr we will miss you so fly high Form the wayman
Karen
March 2, 2015
This candle I light today is in memory of a great Dr.. Altho he wasn't my Dr he always said hi or waved and if he wasn't busy at the OR or with patients he was always willing to answer any questions.... RIP..
Gail Hankey
March 2, 2015
He was my doctor for years. I loved him. He was the best doctor and always took the time to listen.
Chris Dixon
March 2, 2015
I only knew Arindam for a short while as his next door neighbor - however in that time he was a generous, warm friend who opened his door to my family and made it a point to welcome us. We will miss him
Loren Stone
March 2, 2015
Tania and Amrita,
Your father was a respected physician, compassionate person, and close personal friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Disha Bhattacharya
March 2, 2015
I have no words to express the void ! Kaka (Dr. Purkayastha) had an immense influence in my personal as well as my professional life. Very rarely one comes across such altruistic individual. Kaka and Kaki (Deepa Purkayastha) will always remain in our hearts. There are so many memories with them that we treasure. As we move ahead in the journey of life kaka and Kaki will remain eternal.
Maitrayee Ganguly
March 2, 2015
You were a dear friend, mentor and touched our lives in so many ways.... helping us to overcome tough times. May you rest in your heavenly abode.
Terrie and Marty Reed
March 2, 2015
Dr Purkay was a fabulous person. I worked with him for many years and he taught me so much more than any college could. he will be truly missed by all.
Rae Fiske
March 2, 2015
Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your father. He was a wonderful Dr. to work with and such a caring, generous man. When I had to leave work due to medical issues he would call and check on me. It was an honor working with him.
peggy Leach
March 2, 2015
I loved him. He always had a smile. He will be missed . He may be gone but never forgotten. RIP.
Janet & Robert Harris
March 2, 2015
We will miss you, Dr. Purkay
Penny Fitch
March 2, 2015
Thank you for the many years of care. I will miss you and remember you always. You were not just my Doctor. You were my friend.
March 2, 2015
he will be greatly missed,he saved my daughter's lisa's life 8 years ago this july,rest in peace,dr.Purkay
Betty Gill
March 2, 2015
You not only gave me the best of medical care...but you were a good friend to me and my family whenever we needed you...may you now be at peace.
Hirendra and Dipali Banerjee
March 2, 2015
What I am feeling right now is hard to put into words. Arindamda was such a creative person, and I am so sorry he died.
Windsor was like Shillong and Silhet for him, he conducted the Pujas and Bengali cultural programs in Windsor community hall and in his home as much as he could. He was also in Vestal Parkway Church Pujas, or anywhere where Bengalis gathered he was there as a leader and as a down to earth person singing, joking and talking. Finally, he was in the ICC and Bengali festivals in the ICC building before he became sick.
Me and my family will miss Arindamda, He's at peace now.
Lorraine Colwell
March 2, 2015
It was an honor to work with Dr. Purkay at Barnes Kasson Hospital...he was always kind and respectful to patients and staff alike, and I'm sorry for his family's loss.
Sandy Washburn
March 2, 2015
Thank you for being my great Doctor and a great friend to me I will never forget you
March 2, 2015
THANK YOU DR. PURKAY FOR ALL YOUR LOVING CARE ALL THESE YEARS, SHIRLEY DECKER R. N.
John and Neha
March 2, 2015
A wonderful humanitarian who gave everything...you will never be forgotten.
March 2, 2015
dear purkay family
i had the pleasure of knowing and working with your father
at B-K hospital
he was always a pleasure, a gentleman, and a kind soul to be around
when my career was cut short due to medical issues, dr. "purkay" sought me out to lend encouragement and we communicated on a regular basis
i was sad to learn of your mom's passing some time ago, and am once again saddened to learn of your father's passing
it was my privilege to have known him
fondly
dr david mahler
tampa bay, florida
glen allen, virginia
Showing 1 - 85 of 85 results
Make a Donation
in Arindam Purkayastha's name
Memorial Events
for Arindam Purkayastha
Funeral services provided by:
Hennessey's Funeral Home, Inc. - Susquehanna747 Jackson Avenue, Susquehanna, PA 18847
How to support Arindam's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Arindam Purkayastha's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
