Shashikant S. Patel

Dr. Shashikant S. Patel peacefully passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the age of 80.
A cherished husband, father, and friend, Dr. Patel was not only a respected psychiatrist but also a beacon of kindness, intelligence, personality, and humor. His absence will be deeply felt by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born in Thika, Kenya, on June 23rd, 1943, Dr. Patel was the second youngest child of Shankerlal and Parsanben Patel. He attended Thika Primary School and Duke of Gloucester School in Nairobi before pursuing higher education in India. He spent two years at Vadia College and graduated from B.J. Medical School in Pune, India, in 1969. Following his graduation, he returned to Kenya, where he completed a one-year internship in Nyeri. He then worked at Nairobi Hospital and Nairobi City Council until 1975 when he moved to the United States to pursue his psychiatry residency in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1977, Dr. Patel married the love of his life, Mradula Patel, in New York City. They began their life together in New York City, where he worked at Creedmore State Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital before relocating to Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1980. Dr. Patel dedicated 35 years to Hamilton Center in Terre Haute and Brazil, Indiana, retiring in 2016, with six of those years as the medical director. His warm-hearted nature and exceptional listening skills endeared him to his patients.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Patel found true joy in the company of family and friends. His children, Neesha and Neil, were the pride and joy of his life. Dr. Patel took great pride in both of their achievements and their commitment to serving others. Dr. Patel and Mradula shared a love for travel, embarking on memorable journeys to Australia, New Zealand, China, South America, Europe, and Africa. He had also explored India extensively during his college days with dear friends. In 2018, his precious granddaughter, Sonia, was born in Indianapolis, and the two shared countless laughs and mutual adoration. Dr. Patel actively participated in the India Association of Terre Haute and held a deep appreciation for his friends in the community. An enthusiast of sports, he excelled in cricket, badminton, tennis, and bowling. His leisure moments often found him in his favorite armchair, watching Westerns on television. Dr. Patel effortlessly made friends worldwide and maintained lifelong connections with them. His terrific sense of humor, welcoming smile, and contagious laugh will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Dr. Patel was preceded in death by his parents, Shankerlal and Parsanben, and three siblings, Kamlaben, Manubhai, and Bhanuben. He is survived by his wife, Mradula, daughter Neesha FitzGibbon (Thomas), son Neil Patel, granddaughter Sonia FitzGibbon, two brothers Kantibhai (Vasanti) and Hasmukh (Kamini), and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services for Dr. Patel have already taken place. A memorial to honor and celebrate his life will be scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Dr. Shashikant Patel may be directed to the following charities, which held special significance to him:
The National Kidney Foundation Website: https://www.kidney.org/ *To ensure the family is notified of your donation, please use the following email address: shashikantskpatel@gmail.com
Hamilton Center Foundation Website: https://www.hamiltoncenterfoundation.org/ *Hamilton Center will notify the family on your behalf.
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