Arepally Rao

Dr. Arepally Venkateshwara Rao, known as Venkateshwar, passed away peacefully at home in Durham, North Carolina, in the early hours of February 22, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born in Adoni, India, he was the eldest of eight children of Arepally Venkataratnam and Anisuya Srimadhri. He graduated from Stanley Medical College in Chennai, India, and went on to build a distinguished career in medicine. On February 7, 1960, he married Dr. Lakshmi Nuthulganti, the love of his life. Together, they dedicated themselves to their profession and family, supporting the education and advancement of their three children.

In 1973, Venkateshwara Rao and Lakshmi immigrated to the United States, initially settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for advanced medical training before making their home in Vidalia, Georgia. He devoted much of his professional life to caring for U.S. military veterans at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Dublin, Georgia, where he was highly respected for his dedication and service.

Venkateshwara Rao will be remembered for his unassuming lifestyle, deep devotion to his family, strong work ethic, and commitment to fitness-particularly tennis and running. He had a keen interest in politics, world events, history, poetry, and sports and enjoyed listening to country music. He often recited Longfellow's poetry and cherished Kenny Rogers' song "The Gambler." His greatest joy came from his three grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as "Thathi."

He is survived by his wife, Lakshmi; his children Runi Foster, Gowthami Arepally, and Aravind Arepally; his grandchildren Karna Morey, Gitanjali Morey, and Ava Arepally; and his siblings Bhaskar Arepally, Nagesh Arepally, Srinivas Arepally, and Saraswati Maragani.

Memorial services will be held in May. Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans at [https://www.dav.org/](https://www.dav.org/).