Nasarai F. Patil

Narasai F. Patil
Narasai F. Patil, 90, passed away on May 18, 2024 in his home in Henrietta, NY surrounded by family. He was born in Damarkheda, Maharashtra, India on August 15, 1933 to Fakhira and Jasodha Patil.
Narasai ("Appa", to many), a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sharada; his children and their families, Vanda, Darryl, Jason and Cassie Pozzanghera; Vina, David, Hanson and Mirah Koota; and, Jay, Marguerite and Maya Patil. He was very close to his siblings and their families; Jadhav Patil (pre-deceased), Mirah Patil (pre-deceased), Sakaram Patil (pre-deceased), Dvarka Patil (pre-deceased), Shanta Patil (pre-deceased), Damu Patil, Ramesh Patil, Suresh Patil and Prabha Patil.
Though born into a farming family in rural India, Narasai Appa was a dreamer and risk taker. In 1960, after receiving his BS in Mechanical Engineering from MS Baroda University, he borrowed money from his newlywed bride's father to fund his travels to America under a student visa to attend Kansas State University for a Masters degree. By all accounts he was a brilliant engineer, landing a prestigious position at Xerox Corporation (the Apple Corp. of the 1970's) in Rochester, NY, a position he was prepared to decline, were it not that Xerox promised legal and financial support to bring his wife and daughter (Vanda) to the US as well. It was with this foothold that Narasai Appa helped scores of family and friends in the old country establish America as their new home and earned him the nickname of the "Christopher Columbus" of our family. While his career took many turns, including some truly difficult times, the enduring support of his family, his personal brilliance, and his optimism carried him through to create a rich and fulfilling career.
Narasai Appa was an eternal optimist. He was also kind, generous, funny, and mischievous. Most notably, perhaps, he had an insatiable curiosity. He was always trying something new, learning things, and perfecting skills. He was always a beginner at something. In music, he taught himself to play the keyboard and classical Indian flute. He took classes on composition and began to create his own music. He was an artist, learning to draw and paint. He learned calligraphy. He studied history and politics. He took classes on wood turning and American idioms. In his eyes, there were always more things to explore and learn.
Narasai Appa was happiest at family gatherings and parties. He loved being around people, sharing stories and laughing. He and his wife, Sharada, welcomed visitors from far and wide into their homes, hosting countless dinner parties and luncheons. Narasai Appa touched so many lives in countless ways. He will be so dearly missed and fondly remembered. May you rest in peace our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Family and friends may call at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, 3325 Winton Road S., Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There will be a final viewing Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home followed by a procession to White Haven Memorial Park for the Crematory Service.