Rohit A. Patel

Rohit A. Patel

October 03, 1940 ~

March 19, 2023

Napa, California- Rohit Ambalal Patel passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19th, at the age of 82. Rohit was a truly exceptional man whose generosity and kindness touched the lives of many. He was a philanthropist and volunteer at heart, positively impacting the broader community throughout his life. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, and a dear friend to those who knew him.

Throughout his life and especially in retirement, Rohit dedicated his time to volunteer work and philanthropy in areas that were most important to him. He served on the Board of the Gandhi Alliance for Peace, an organization focused on furthering Gandhi's vision of nonviolence, justice, and hope. He believed strongly in building better opportunities for India's children in poverty and dedicated significant time to fundraising for the Asha Health and Development Society, an organization focused on providing holistic community-based healthcare, empowerment, financial inclusion, education, and environmental improvements to the slum communities of India. He also very much enjoyed educating, whether it was teaching English to the Spanish-speaking high school students or the Bhagavad Gita to his friend's children, or telling the stories of his Father's history with Mahatma Gandhi to his children and grandchildren.

Prior to his Parkinson's diagnosis ten years ago, Rohit was extremely active and was an avid tennis player who also enjoyed skiing, biking, hiking, and really any type of sport. He also loved to travel, exploring new places with friends and family. After his diagnosis, he continued to find joy in time with loved ones, the outdoors, and especially in his wife Mridula's delicious cooking. He engaged in the teachings of Zen and dedicated many hours to meditation, reflection, and study. The practice of Zen helped him to accept his condition and yet still live life to its fullest, including enjoying food, wine, and chocolate.

Rohit had a long and successful career as a businessman and entrepreneur taking him to Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, Salt Lake City and then finally retiring in Napa, California. Despite his success and accomplishments in the business world, Rohit was best known for his warmth, selflessness, generosity, compassion towards others, and his smile. He always opened his doors and heart to those in need, regardless of their circumstances and made lasting friendships with children and adults wherever he went. He was a mentor and role model to countless individuals, always offering guidance and support.

Rohit was born in Bhadran, India, and spent his formative years in Vadodara, India. He was very close to his father and accompanied him on his travels throughout the country. On these trips, he learned a great deal from his father - from geometry to history to Indian and English literature as well as the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. During these travels, he developed his lifelong passion for learning, reading, writing, and philosophy.

After finishing his studies in India, in 1962, Rohit came to the United States to pursue his graduate studies. In 1966, Rohit met and married his wife, Mridula, and they began the first years of their life together in Niles, Michigan where the community embraced them and where he developed lifelong, very dear friendships.

Rohit is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mridula Patel; his son and daughter in-law Apur Patel and Liz Misiaveg-Patel; his daughter and son-in-law Tejal Patel and Laszlo Muhl; his grandchildren Ruhi Patel, Juan Carlos Patel and Eva Muhl; his brother and sister-in-law Bipin and Deena Patel; his sister and brother-in-law, Maya and Gary Matkin; and his sisters Mira Patel and Sheela Birnstiel. In addition to his parents, Ambalal and Mani Patel, he was preceded in death by his elder sister Rekha Joshi.

Rohit's legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Sonoma Mountain Zen Center: https://www.smzc.org/, The Michael J Fox Foundation, or the Asha Community Health and Development Society: https://asha-india.org.