Dr. Kirit D. Chapatwala

Published 1:58 pm Saturday, December 21, 2024

December 15, 2024

Dr. Kirit D. Chapatwala died unexpectedly at the age of 75 on December 15, 2024, at his residence in Springville, AL. He was born on December 17, 1948, in Surat, India to the late Mr. and Mrs. Dhirajlal T. Chapatwala. He came to America in 1970 as a graduate student at Mississippi State University enrolled in a medical microbiology program; he received his M.S. in 1973 and Ph.D. in 1978. He met his wife Sherry Ann Melton from Durant, Mississippi in 1972 who was also in graduate school at the same university. They married on June 11, 1977, at the Chapel of Memories on campus. Kirit was a Renaissance man. He excelled in teaching college classes and conducting research with articles published in scientific journals. He had a continued interest in broadening his already extensive knowledge and working in regard to environmental issues even after retirement. Kirit served on a school board for many years and volunteered with various agencies and charities, sometimes even serving on their boards. He had a lifelong interest in participating in sports such as cricket, tennis, handball, racquetball, and more recently pickleball. He preferred participating over watching sports unless his grandchildren were playing. He is survived by his wife Sherry, their three daughters Heather (Brian) Sloss, Kendra (Adam) Outlaw, Marah (Eric) Small and six grandchildren Mikaela Sloss, Kenna, Sawyer, and Canaan Outlaw, Holland and Ruthie Small, his brother Mukesh (Kamini), two nieces Mansi (Vikram) Randeri and Krishna (Yagnesh) Kikaganeshwala and one great nephew, Rishi Randeri. He enjoyed a host of friends and family in America and abroad. Above all, Kirit was known best for his generosity and joyful disposition. He never met a stranger and would do anything for his friends and family. He was light in the lives of those who loved him most. A celebration of Kirit’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at New Life Baptist Church, 1405 Simpson Road, Odenville, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Life Baptist Church for its many missions and ministries to “Love God, Love Others”.