Obituary of Dr. Gundabhaktha Chikkappa

Chikkappa, M.D, Gundabhaktha

COLONIE - Gundabhaktha Chikkappa, M.D., 85 of Albany, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 15, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimers.

Born in Billichudu, India, Chip was educated in India, attended Oxford University in England, and completed a residency at Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Chip eventually went on to educate as a Professor at Albany Medical College and later serve as Chief of Hematology at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany. He also completed a Fellowship at Tufts University and was a retired Captain, serving honorably in the U.S. Navy.

Chip was an accomplished tennis player and enjoyed golfing in his retirement. Dr. Chikkappa published many papers over the years relating to his medical research. One of his most proud accomplishments was building a hostel in India for medical students who could not afford housing. Amoung his other philanthropical endeavors Dr. Chikkappa volunteered at the Albany and Schenectady City Missions.

Chip was a long time parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Loudonville.

Chip is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Patricia. Together they raised three children: Manju Chikkappa, Sheela Dvonch (Andrew), and Christopher Scaringe (Kimberly). Also survived by eight cherished grandchildren: Kavi, Arjun, Naveena, Sofia, Forest, Dustin, Hope and Tucker.

In addition to his parents Chip was predeceased by his first wife, Girija Chikkappa

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 25, 2022, 9:00 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville with Fr. Russ Bergman, celebrant. Interment with military honors will take place at 12:30 pm at Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or mailed to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Dr. Chip's family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Dufresne and Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham, dufresneandcavanaugh.com.