Sharad Somnath Sathe

Sathe, Sharad Somnath, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the age of 81.

Beloved husband for fifty-six years of Usha; father of Vandana and Swapna; grandfather of Theodore Kulik; brother of Mukund; dear father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend and teacher.

Sharad Sathe grew up in Mumbai, India, and later studied pharmacy at Banaras Hindu University. After marrying Usha in 1966, they began a new chapter, and immigrated to the United States so Sharad could complete his PhD in chemistry at Indiana University in Bloomington. Upon completion of his post-doctoral work in 1973, he took a position at Mallinckrodt Specialty Chemicals and was there until his retirement in 2000. He was awarded several patents during his tenure. He and Usha raised their daughters, Vandana and Swapna, in the St. Louis area.

In addition to his work, he was an accomplished musician, playing both tabla and harmonium, and accompanying several prominent touring artists. He helped found the St. Louis Indian Classical Music Society, Sangeetha, and he taught music throughout his life. In his retirement years, he was able to share his passion with even more students and found fulfillment and purpose in this second career. His students remember him as a patient and generous teacher, encouraging them to learn and reach their potential. As a hobby, he composed music, and he recorded and released a compilation of his original music in 2010.

He was energetic in body and mind. He was intellectually curious, examining different viewpoints, and was an avid reader of non-fiction. Sharad and Usha traveled the world, visiting 47 states and nearly 40 countries on 6 continents. He was athletic and active, swimming and playing tennis throughout his life, and later, having fun with friends on the golf course.

He will be remembered by countless people for the many ways he touched their lives. Friends and family will remember him telling sardonic jokes, indulging his sweet tooth, splashing on the beach, and winning at card games. Above all, those closest to him will remember him as a loyal friend, devoted husband, supportive and loving dad, and in his latest favorite role, Aaba to his grandson Teddy.

Services: A memorial service will be held at Mahatma Gandhi Center on Sunday, September 25, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.