Dr. Dinesh Nanavati

Dr. Dinesh Nanavati
Pittsford – On January 27, 2024 at age 88. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Neena Nanavati; brothers, Milap Nanavati and Bhalchandra Nanavati. Dinesh is survived by his devoted children, Vandana (Jolly) Caplash, Rahul (Kelly) Nanavati, and Parul (Rob) Rahbari; adoring grandchildren, Erina, Reena, Kieran, Rohan, Adi and Dia; nephews, Lomesh (Dutta) Nanavati, Digant (Kavita) Nanavati, Nilesh (Farzana) Nanavati and Kaushal (Divija) Nanavati; sisters, Prakashini (Upendra) Kharod and Jaygita Mehta; sisters-in-law, Devarshini Nanavati and Nirupama Nanavati; many additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
"When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Dinesh Nanavati lived a life dedicated to service. Service to his beloved wife Neena, his devoted children; Vandana, Rahul and Parul and to his loving extended family. When he left India in 1974 to pursue a medical position in the U.S., he forged a path that so many of his family would later follow. Whether it was joining him to live in Rochester, NY or whether it was pursuing their passions in medicine, he led as an example of how to live life fully. He was jovial and charming, always quick with a joke. He built relationships that lasted lifetimes, forging bonds through shared experiences, hometown connections, familial links and for many others- bonds made through the service to others through medicine.
A practicing psychiatrist who worked at Rochester Psychiatric Center, Clifton Springs Hospital and lastly Unity Hospital, he was the consummate professional. Known for his candor with patients, and recognized by his peers, he built a 50-year career through his dedication and work ethic, retiring at age 80. If you were anywhere in Rochester with Dad, you would undoubtedly be stopped by someone who shared a story of how he helped a family member, offered counseling for a friend, or served as a much-loved coworker for so many. Even in his final days at Unity Hospital we had staff who recounted their connections to him from many years before. To him, Unity was his hospital and the only place he wanted to be for care.
Dinesh built a legacy through family connections. Serving as the hub for all members of both the Nanavati and Joshipura clans in the U.S. His house always bustled with activity, full of laughs, loud karaoke, and the sounds of celebrations for all the children who grew up under his watchful eyes. Later those children extended his reach with children of their own, and then the joyous noises rising from 460 Stone Rd could never be rivalled. Family meals shared around a giant table where there was always room for one more. You knew when the Nanavati clan was around and he happily shared all their accomplishments and milestones. Proudly hosting luncheons for the Indian community to celebrate all his grandchildren. He was the envy of his friends that all 3 of his children moved back to Rochester with their families.
From 1978 till now the Rochester Indian community provided support, stability and connection for Dinesh and his family. He developed friendships that sustained him through the most difficult times of his life. They celebrated holidays, sang bhajans, danced enthusiastically and provided a family in the U.S. After retirement Dad joined his friends for a coffee club that met and shared stories with a cup of coffee and a communal order of fries. Happy to share Gujarati jokes with an adoring audience, he relished his time with his friends.
His family celebrates all these wonderful traits that helped build this incredible family that he leaves behind. We marvel at the sacrifices he made to support all of us, to the best of his abilities. We are so proud of the physician he was and the care that he provided all his patients and the respect he showed all his colleagues. We are humbled by the countless messages of condolences, received from around the globe. Medical college classmates, University students who found comfort in his home and hundreds of family members recounting a happy memory shared in his presence. We will strive to maintain the family connections he worked so hard to create; we will honor the heritage he so celebrated.
Family and friends may call at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, 3325 Winton Road South, Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 4-8 PM. His Funeral Service will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the National Kidney Foundation in Dinesh's memory.