Nihal De Lanerolle

1945 - 2026

Nihal de Lanerolle
March 25, 2026
Dr. Nihal C. de Lanerolle, distinguished neuroscientist, educator, and Episcopal priest, passed away on March 25, 2026, at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. He was 80 years old. Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he earned a B.Sc. (Honors) in Zoology from the University of Ceylon, a D.Phil in Neuroethology from the University of Sussex, and later a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Cambridge. In recognition of his sustained scientific contributions, he was awarded the Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree by the University of Sussex.
Dr. de Lanerolle joined the Yale School of Medicine faculty in 1979, where he rose to Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurobiology and served for more than three decades. In collaboration with Dr. Dennis D. Spencer and colleagues, he was a pioneer in the neuropathology of epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy, demonstrating that it encompasses multiple distinct pathological entities. A prolific scholar, Dr. de Lanerolle authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters and was among the early adopters of immunohistochemical and molecular approaches in neuroscience. A Fulbright Senior Scholar and Corresponding Member of the German League Against Epilepsy, he served on national and international review panels and was a dedicated mentor to generations of students and fellows at Yale, Wesleyan University, and Trinity College.
Alongside his scientific career, Dr. de Lanerolle pursued a calling in the Episcopal Church. Ordained after theological training at the University of Cambridge, he served parishioners directly at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Westbrook, Connecticut, for over 30 years, and held chaplaincy roles at Trinity College and Yale University. He is survived by his brother, Ralph; and his nephew, Trishan. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in Westbrook, on April 1, at 2:00 p.m. The Hawley Lincoln Memorial, 424 Elm St., New Haven, is in charge of arrangements.