Dr. Ramarao Naidu

In loving memory of Dr. Ramarao Naidu, January 21, 1935 to July 2, 2024 

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Dr. Ramarao Naidu, at the age of 89 - or, as he would say, 90 years in March since “in-utero” counts! Dr. Rama Naidu was a man of ambition and kindness, and his life was a testament to what a person can achieve with a vivid imagination and true determination. As a graduate of Rangoon Medical University in British-ruled Burma, Dr. Rama Naidu served as a field physician in the Burmese jungle. With the full support of his dear wife, Dr. Vijay Lakshmi, Dr. Rama Naidu built a private medical practice at 57 Mogul Street in Rangoon, Burma. They provided medical care to government officials, foreign dignitaries, in addition to the local population.

In 1971, Dad fled Burma and worked as a house physician in London; he was accepted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP). In 1972, he arrived in Philadelphia, PA to begin a residency program in Anesthesiology at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Shortly after, his wife came from Burma to begin her residency program for Pediatrics. In April 1975, he brought his 4 children along with his widowed mother to America; they had stayed in the care of their grandmother in India to learn English in Catholic private schools. In Fall 1975, the family moved into a single-family home in West Chester, PA. Dr. Naidu worked as an Anesthesiologist, and after passing the medical board exams, he was promoted to serve as the Director of Anesthesiology at the A.I. Dupont Institute Children’s Hospital in Delaware. Meanwhile, his wife worked as an Emergency Room physician and later built a private pediatric practice in West Chester, PA. After his early retirement Dr. Naidu also completed a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine in 1992, before turning his full attention to real estate and forming Ram Land Development.

A devoted brother to his siblings, Dr. Naidu rescued his sister’s families before the 1988 political turmoil broke out in Burma. Decades later, he helped the children of his cousin brothers from Moulmein to escape from Burma (Myanmar) following the February 2021 military coup d'état. Dad felt inspired to rescue energetic new young relatives from the impending civil war in Burma. These young adults motivated dad to live longer and use his resources to help them for education and new opportunities.

Dr. Naidu liked to travel, and he visited his family in India and Burma regularly to maintain family ties and pursue investment opportunities. He enjoyed good food and good conversation. He liked to say clever one-liners in different languages, and he had a keen sense of humor. He loved God, and he believed in enjoying life being loved by the divine Lord Krishna. Dad’s actions reflected his faith in God.

First, Dr. Naidu is survived by four married children Dr. Sanjiv (and Rachna), Sangeetha (and Per), Rajiv (and Kristin), and Ravi (and Dr. Archana) and nine grandchildren: Kaitlin (and Daniel), Chandler (and Gio), Sonum, Kirin, Zachary, Olivia, Henrik, Viktor, and Vijay. Dad loved us all. 

Second, Dr. Naidu is survived by the children of his two beloved sisters and brother in India: Pramela, Leela (and Dr. Umesh) Ganesh (and Dr. Gayitri), Mela (and Dr. Nagesh); Padma and Ranjini; Rajeshri (and Kirit), Gopal, and Dolly. Dad was proud of his multi-generational, international family. Third, Dr. Naidu is survived by his best friend’s son Kyaw Kyaw (devoted caretaker) and the children of his cousin brothers: Myo Myo, Susu, and Tutazin. Dad inspired all of us to work hard and live well.

We will all miss dad in the years to come – his hope, his humor, and his belief in our bright future!

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 9:30-10:30 AM Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA followed by his Funeral Prayer Service 10:30 AM.