Obituary of Jagadeesh Chilakapati

Jagadeesh Chilakapati

2/25/68-11/12/2023

Jagadeesh “Jag” Chilakapati was born on February 25, 1968 to Chilakapati Ramakrishna Prasad and Chilakapati Santha Kumari in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India. He studied computer science at National Institute of Technology, Warangal, graduating in 1989. He came to America in 1992 and eventually settled in Randolph, New Jersey, with his wife Lalitha Chilakapati.

He was an avid sports fan – cricket and football were his favorites to watch. He was the go-to technology expert for his friends and family. He enjoyed building computers with his son. He achieved a master’s degree in Information Systems from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2016.

He was a passionate movie buff (especially for the works of Telugu actor Mahesh Babu) and serial binge-watcher. In recent years, he developed an interest in traditional Indian cooking. Despite a self-professed fear of dogs, he loved to sit with the family pet, Clove, and would sneak her a slice of cheese as a treat each day.

Jag fought chronic illness for many years before being diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2023. The following months were filled with serious medical complications, which he faced with bravery. He was discharged from the hospital just two days before his passing and was able to spend time at home with his family. His family is immensely grateful for the extra time we had with him before another complication unexpectedly and suddenly took him from us. He passed away at Morristown Medical Center on the morning of November 12 with his wife, daughter, and son by his side. Coincidentally, his death occurred during the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali, which he enjoyed celebrating every year.

Jag is survived by his wife, Lalitha; daughter, Rachana; son, Rishi; favorite daughter, Clove; parents Ramakrishna Prasad and Santha Kumari; and sister Kavitha Vemuri. He lives on in the hearts of those friends and family who knew and loved him. We will always remember his loving nature, infectious laughter, and resilience.

A private Hindu cremation will be held on November 16, 2023 at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge, NJ from 10:00-11:30am. A memorial service will follow from 12:30-2:30pm at Aashirwad Palace in Randolph, NJ. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to the Immune Deficiency Foundation at primaryimmune.org – notification emails can be sent to jchila@gmail.com at the time of donation.