Subramanayam Venkatesh

Subramanayam “Venky” Venkatesh passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Swarthmore. He was 90. A funeral service was held on May 12 at Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Media.

Venky was born on November 9, 1928 in Thrissur, India, the eldest of six siblings. His favorite memories from childhood were peaceful hours spent with his grandparents.

He studied chemistry in school and began work in pharmaceuticals, first with Parke Davis and then with Glaxo. He worked through the ranks, retiring as the corporate marketing manager. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of medicine, having originally aspired to become a doctor. He spent free time studying medicine, volunteering with physicians, and helping sick friends.

Venky married his wife Suguna on July 8, 1957 in Thrissur. He and his wife moved from India to Swarthmore in 1996, and became U.S. citizens in 2008. He had a great love of working with children and volunteered at the Swarthmore-Rutledge School as a reading buddy. He enjoyed classical music and playing the Indian flute; he was also an avid reader and loved to play bridge. The latter led him to form many dear friends in the area. He passed away playing bridge with his friends, surrounded by the beloved community he had found and fostered in Swarthmore, Wallingford and Havertown.

He is survived by his wife Suguna, son Santosh, daughter-in-law Cecily; three grandchildren, Anil, Chachu, and Viddy; and his five siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Sanjay.

Donations

Venky’s family suggests donations to the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley Gratis Tissue Program in gratitude for their noble work.