Pratap Singh Kothari

Dr. Pratap Singh Kothari passed away at home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 93 after a valiant battle with heart disease. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

He was born on June 15, 1932, in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India, to the late Narayandas and Ramaben Kothari. Pratap was preceded in death by his older brother Purshottam and older sister Kasturben. He is survived by his younger brother Vijay.

Pratap shared 60 beautiful years with his loving wife, Meena. They lived a life filled with adventure and love after their marriage on April 10, 1965, at Rambhavari Hall in Mumbai, India.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Toral (Jeffrey) and Aniket/Nick (Sandhya); and was a proud and loving grandfather to grandsons Devan and Caleb and granddaughters Suveena and Aashika. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

At the age of 22, Pratap graduated with both bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemistry from Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) College in Kanpur, India. He then taught chemistry at Christ Church College for one year and subsequently took a job as a scientific officer at the Indian Defense Research Laboratories for several years. In 1964, he transferred to the Indian Naval Science Laboratory. In 1966, Pratap received a full scholarship to attend Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, where he earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry. He then spent the rest of his career at Chemical Abstracts Service in Columbus, OH, retiring after 37 years of service at the age of 75. Through his education and a courageous move to the United States, he paved the way for his family to succeed.

To the many lives he touched, we'll always remember his intelligence and humor. He had a lifelong relationship with books and always said, "If you enjoy reading, you will never be bored." Many referred to him as a walking computer, with knowledge on every topic. He loved telling jokes, playing cards, eating sweets, and always had a zest for travel. He took his family on many vacations, both in the U.S. and internationally, with his favorites being California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Europe, Thailand, and Australia. Most of all, he loved his family-a devoted husband to Meena for 60 years; a supportive father to Toral and Nick/Aniket; and a loving nana/dada to his grandchildren: Devan (26), Caleb (24), Suveena (11), and Aashika (9).

Over the past few years, we especially remember his warm smile, his outstretched arms in greeting, his resilience, and his quiet strength. Never a complainer, even with health struggles later in life, he was the family rock. Pratap made a wonderful life for his family, who will cherish and celebrate his memory forever. His legacy remains intact in all of us as we carry his greatest qualities and values forward through generations. Services will be private to the family at this time.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.