Letter from Mrs. Rekha Jangi
Obituary
In memory of our beloved core member Mr. Sudhakar Welankiwar, March 17, 1942 - May 29, 2025.
It is with great sorrow that we announce Sudhakar Welankiwar of Medfield, MA passed away on Thursday May 29, 2025 at the age of 83.
Sudhakar is survived by his beloved wife, Jyotsna ("Sujata"); his daughters Sangeeta Jathar, of Newton, MA and Rasika Boice, of Jersey City, NJ; his sons-in-law Nikhil and James; and his grandchildren Ishan, Bodhi, Raina, and Kavi, whom he (“Ba”) adored endlessly; plus two grandpups Chai and Penny.
His parents Sadashiv and Uma; his brothers Datatray ("Raja") and Narendra ("Bhau") passed from this life before him, as did his sweet cat Leah.
Sudhakar’s bold, remarkable life began in Nagpur, India on March 17,1942. He wed Jyotsna on February 17, 1972 in Jabalpur, kicking off a 53-year journey that took them across the world. Shortly after marrying, Sudhakar and Jyotsna left India for Dublin, Ireland where at Trinity College he earned the second of his two PhDs, his first from the National Chemical Lab in Pune, India. From Ireland, he and Jyotsna continued onward to Waterloo, Canada where they began their family with the welcoming of Sangeeta. In 1978, they arrived in Massachusetts where Rasika was born and where Sudhakar continued to build a wonderful life with his family in Medfield over the next 47 years.
Dr. Welankiwar, known as Sudha to his friends, was an organic chemist for Tufts Medical Center, Duracell, Lonza, and other organizations. In both his professional and personal life, he found joy in working alongside his friends. From 1994 to 1995, he served as president for the New England Marathi Mandal (NEMM), and in 1997, he was the Chief Coordinator of the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) Eighth Biennial Convention, held in Boston. A highlight of this event was booking famed singer Lata Mangeshkar to perform. In retirement, he continued to work closely with friends. As a producer of musical theater with Kalashri of Boston, he was involved in putting on shows in New England, Baltimore, and New York City to advance the artistic culture and heritage of Indian people within the United States.
He happily expanded his and Jyotsna’s always large social circle by joining several Bridge groups. He enjoyed working in his and Jyotsna’s yard and hosting friends and family for annual gatherings in their celebrated garden. He loved Boston sports and, along with his family, rooted passionately against the New York Yankees. Every morning at 5:00, he exercised at a local gym and quickly joined an informal gang of fellow early morning workout warriors and brought them, too, into his circle.
After the initial leap into the unknown that took them from India to Medfield, Sudhakar and Jyotsna continued to travel at every opportunity. He was always plotting the next trip and recruiting loved ones to join. Some recent excursions included the Canadian Rockies, Singapore, Germany, Amsterdam, an Alaskan cruise, Mexico, Jamaica, and Arizona. On every trip, he came away with new friends.
His family loved Sudhakar unspeakably and carry his example in their hearts and actions forever: Be bold and generous, live and love fully, and forge lasting friendships wherever you go.
As we are celebrating Sudhakar’s life, we would like to request guests to dress joyfully.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Sudhakar and his family can do so in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Friday morning June 6th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Sudhakar's life to remember the love and friendship he shared with so many at a Funeral Service in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons on Friday Morning June 6th at 10:30 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association or Indian Circle for Caring USA Inc.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from family and friends.
(Courtesy of Welankiwar family)