Don Patrick Amarasinghe

Don Patrick Amarasinghe, 78, of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with ALS.
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Patrick was the beloved son of Don Simon Amarasinghe and Dona Alice Wijesekara. From an early age, his curiosity and dedication to learning set him on a lifelong path of scholarship and service. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Peradeniya, pursued a Master's degree in Agriculture in the Netherlands, and later obtained both a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Patrick's life was marked by extraordinary service to education, public institutions, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. He served as Deputy Director General of the Urban Development Authority in Sri Lanka before immigrating to the United States. In the U.S., he shared his knowledge and passion for learning as a professor at Bay Path University and other institutions, and through his work with the Department of Health and Human Services in Worcester. Even in the face of ALS, Patrick met each day with courage, grace, and unwavering dignity.
A man defined by boundless generosity and integrity, Patrick volunteered at the UMass Medical Center Emergency Department, had a deep love for animals, and opened his home to support families striving for a better future. In his final, selfless act, Patrick donated multiple organs and entrusted his brain and spinal cord to ALS research at MGH/Harvard Medical School-supporting the pursuit of cures and leaving a lasting legacy of hope for millions worldwide.
A world traveler at heart, Patrick explored 22 countries, forming lifelong friendships and sharing his wisdom, curiosity, and warmth with people from every corner of the globe.
Patrick leaves behind his devoted wife, Chandra Kumari Amarasinghe (née Wickramasinghe), and his three children, Janeshi (Gihan), Anjula (Asha), and Gayan (Niranjala), who were the pride and joy of his life. He was a cherished grandfather to Devan, Shawn, Megha, Jake, Akash, Leilani, Keegan, and Aiden. He is also survived by his siblings, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, kindness, and generosity.
The family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate care Patrick received over the years from the Leonard Florence Center for Living and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Family and friends will gather for a period of visitation at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center, on Sunday, December 28 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Cremation will follow at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patrick's name to New England Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, 162 Old Upton Road, Grafton, MA 01519, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, Massachusetts.