Ajit Adyanthaya Obituary

Dr. Ajit V. Adyanthaya, a distinguished cardiologist and educator, passed away on January 14, 2025, in Mangalore, India, at the age of 81. Born on February 3, 1943, in Karkala, India, he dedicated his life to medicine and the betterment of others.

Dr. Adyanthaya was a graduate of Topiwala National Medical College and achieved board certification in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. His passion for teaching led him to teaching positions at the Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas Medical School, and the Tufts University School of Medicine. He practiced cardiology with great dedication at several prominent Houston hospitals, including Hermann, St. Luke's, Ben Taub, and Methodist.

He was the consummate foodie and was well known at most of the Indian restaurants in the Houston area. He loved the ocean and his favorite thing to do was to drive Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island and to sit and watch the waves. He was able to combine both these loves when he moved to Mangalore following his wife's passing.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Joanne (Shea), his parents Dr. N.V. Adyanthaya and Heera Adyanthaya, his brother Dr. Ranjit Adyanthaya, his father-in-law Martin C. Shea, his mother-in-law Ella Shea, his brother-in-law Martin Shea, and his sister-in-law Nancy Blanchard. He is survived by his children Anil (Amy) and Tara (Rick Boyd), his cherished granddaughter Mary Adyanthaya, his brother Guruprasad (Lalana), his sister Deepa (Birmu Bhandary), his sisters-in-law Surekha Adyanthaya and Paula Shea, his brother-in-law Howard Shea, and many family and friends.

Dr. Adyanthaya's contributions to medicine and education left an indelible mark on countless lives. His family takes comfort in knowing that he left the world better than he found it and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital in Mangalore for their excellent care during his final days. The family also wishes to thank Anusha Nayak for her care and friendship during Dr. Adyanthaya's time in Mangalore.

Services were held in Mangalore in January. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Malaria No More (India Country Program) or the Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital (Cardiology Department).