Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Navajeevan Aiyanadar Chakkaravarthi

Navajeevan Aiyanadar Chakkaravarthi, age 79, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on April 9th, 2024.  He was the son of Mr. Palaniappa Aiyanadar and Mrs. Aiyanadar Mangalambal.  He was the tenth of twelve siblings.  He was born in Madurai, India.

He graduated from Madras Medical College and went on to study internal medicine and specialize in gastroenterology.  He worked for almost 3 decades at the Wilmington VA as an attending gastroenterologist while teaching internal medicine residents and medical students from Jefferson Medical College as an Associate Faculty Professor.  He truly loved his work and providing healthcare for those in need, including veterans who served our country in the armed services.  He was passionate about teaching and never stopped learning about medicine, even after he retired.

He loved his beloved wife, Ramona, his two children, Sumangala and Pritham, his daughter-in-law Dharshini, and his two grandchildren, Arya and Anish, with all of his heart.  He was a kindhearted soul who connected with children of all ages but cherished his two grandchildren the most.  He was a very spiritual man who gave to many charities.  He prayed daily and would make pilgrimages to many Hindu temples over his lifetime.  His favorite charity was Hindu Temple Association in Hockessin, DE.

He enjoyed playing tennis, badminton, and table tennis.  His favorite basketball players included Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Lebron James. He loved playing board games with his grandchildren.  He would walk on his treadmill almost daily for 60-90 minutes while enjoying Tamil movies.

Navajeevan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was fortunate enough to celebrate a lavish Sadhabishegam Ceremony with his wife Ramona alongside his family, friends, and loved ones a few days before he passed.  He lived a blessed life and was grateful for all that god provided for him. He passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own bed after living a truly blessed life.

The Chakkaravarthi family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Christiana Care Hospital for taking such good care of him over the past several decades, including the emergency room department, the oncology department, the radiation oncology department, the cardiology department, the surgical department, the pulmonology department, the urology department, and the infectious disease department.

Funeral Services

A Funeral Service will be held at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, on Saturday April 20, 2024, at 10:00AM.  Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to Christiana Care Hospital.

Condolences

    Rev.Joe Monardo writes,
    To the Family, I'm so deeply sorry for the passing of Husband,Father,Grandfather. He was my Doctor and my Fathers at the VA . He truly was dedicated to all us. He always was there for us . I will keep him and all of you in my Prayers 🗽🙏 Veteran Rev. Joe Monardo
    04/19/2024 01:46 pm
    Buyan Thyagarajan lit a candle and writes,
    I share my deepest condolences to Chakkaravarthy family. For me and my family, he is our father who mentored us as we transitioned to the life in USA , a beloved grandfather who was always there with our kids , a person who was always there for me to talk to and share during my tough times . I am extremely grateful for his presence in our family and we will always cherish the memories of dr. Appa and dr. Amma in our lives . To describe his life it is resilience and never giving up no matter what life threw at him. He stood by his values of helping and cared a lot for dr.Amma and his family. He cared a lot for my kids especially my son Adith and was always in communication thorough his text messages. Today I miss my father and it is a huge loss for my family. But I will always be grateful for his impact he had on me and my family.
    04/20/2024 07:53 am
    Ramesh Rangarajan & Family lit a candle and writes,
    Our Family have known Dr. Chakravarthy for the last 22 years. He will be fondly remembered for his Flashy big smile, positive attitude, caring talk and affection towards children. He will be truly missed. “May his soul find eternal peace.”
    04/20/2024 09:04 am
    Adith Thyagarajan writes,
    I’m going to miss him a lot. He has been the best grandfather to me, even though we aren’t blood related. I saw him overcome so many health obstacles to make me happy. There was a time when he was really ill but still took me to go to Lancaster. He really loved building these intricate train sets and I enjoyed seeing how he did that. We used to exchange a lot of text messages regarding sports and I always enjoyed reading his statistical breakdowns of things. He was a man of principles and someone who understood the meaning of quality time. I share my deep condolences with the Chakravarthy family and know that we will all miss having his presence in our lives.
    04/20/2024 09:39 am
    Ravi Ravindran lit a candle and writes,
    Our heartfelt condolences to Ramona acca,Pritham, Darshini, Arya,Anish and the extended family. We hope and pray the fond memories of shared moments will help heal and comfort you all at this time. We feel very fortunate to have had him in our lives. Ravi, Raji, Jeevan and Mithiran.
    04/20/2024 02:04 pm
    A.S.Bavanandan writes,
    Navajeevanna , you are always my partner in Tennis and Badminton and we were together in many events and won lot of matches because of your extraordinary skill set. My wife ,Children and Grandchildren also joins me in saying Goodbye . We miss you Navajeevanna and I can not hold back my tears as I say final Goodbye . If God willing I hope to meet you again somewhere.🙏
    04/20/2024 11:26 pm
    Christian G and Family lit a candle and writes,
    What can one say that can add to all the love shown here and recently? Well, what I can say is that I have known Pritham for 30 years and in turn had gotten to know his father as well. The relationship between a father and son is quite often a journey of ups and downs. Most of it is about how these two men find their place for each other in both support and love. I can say that Pritham has learned so much from you. I know without a doubt how proud you must be of the son you have left behind and who stands tall on behalf of your family. It was an honor to have met you, learned about you and see the ways your decisions helped shape the man you left us in Pritham. Your values live on in him and you are an inspiration as a father who loved his wife and family immensely. I hope we all learn from your actions as I know Pritham has learned. But, I also know how much you learned from Pritham. A son and father are very much like two stars circling each other. Eventually there is one. The two of you are stronger and greater then apart. Your party was the absolute pinnacle of beauty and love. As a father myself, I know Pritham and I understand you more now then ever before. Your lessons are going to be continued and thank you for opening up to your son who loves you in ways you may only now truly know. We pray to you with deepest love and respect. Thank you for leaving us the best of you in Pritham. It is his turn now to continue what you long ago started. God bless.
    04/23/2024 09:48 am
    Ganesh Pandian lit a candle and writes,
    I have a distinct honor of knowing my dear friend Navajeevan for 61 years starting as first year day students at Madurai Medical College. He was a caring and loving friend all these years. He was outspoken and supportive all his life. He loved his family so much and adored the grandchildren. Above all of this I haven’t seen a courageous person like him any where else. Will always remember the nice visit last Spring with Ramaswamy. We were recalling our wonderful memories together. Will miss my friend. Deep condolences to the family. Love Ganesan as N always called me.
    05/04/2024 11:28 am
    R. Clement Ilango , IAS lit a candle and writes,
    Navjeevan was with me in Loyola college . 60-61 . A gentle , sweet chap with a smiling face . I was in regular touch with him till a few days ago . Not many could have so cheerfully and bravely gone through the massive health issues that he faced for years . My heart goes out to Ramona and the family . Tears are welling up in my eyes even as I am writing these lines . May god rest his soul .
    05/10/2024 08:33 pm
    Padma Bala lit a candle and writes,
    I have known My best friend from Madras Medical College Ramona Chakravarthi and her husband Navajeevan for almost 60 years.. Navajeevan was one of the greatest person I have known in my life.. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.. Padma and Mani Bala
    05/21/2024 05:34 pm

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.