Kirit D. Patel

SPENCER: Kirit D. Patel, 81, of Spencer, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on January 29th, after a short illness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Usha Patel; his daughter, Krisha (Patel) Podkowka and her husband, Jason Podkowka; his son, Katir Patel and his wife, Jaclyn Patel, and his four grandsons, Garrett Podkowka, Kieran Patel, Ronan Patel, and Caden Patel. He is also survived by his sister, Hansa Patel of Suwanee, GA, and his brother-in-law Hasmukh Patel of Spencer, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, in-laws, and beloved friends.

Kirit was born in Pij, India on August 12,1943. A brilliant mind and a curious nature led Kirit to be in the top of his classes, and he used his gifts as a tool to immigrate to the US in the 60s in pursuit of higher education. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, and continued his education at WPI. He used those degrees to become a Sr. Chemist at Flexcon in Spencer, where he enjoyed a 45 year long productive career that resulted in many process improvements and a US patent, before retiring in 2019.

Kirit's quick intellect was overshadowed only by his generosity of spirit and his love for his family and friends. He will be remembered by many as the jovial host of many Diwali, Christmas, New Years, and birthday parties; for making others laugh with his hilarious stories and his sarcastic wit, and for always lending a hand to others. Kirit's generosity led to the creation of a foundation to help children in his native village of Pij achieve educational excellence. Many of his family and friends relied on Kirit to help as they moved to the US, and he and his wife Usha were always there to welcome their families with open arms, a place to stay, and a warm meal.

Kirit loved traveling; he enjoyed trips near and far when his children were younger and after retirement, he loved going down the Cape for a quick getaway. He could never stay away for long, though, as he was always drawn back to be with the people he loved the most, especially his grandchildren. His favorite way to spend time was simply in the presence of his closest friends and family. His absence has left a giant hole in the lives of those who loved him, and he is already greatly and sorely missed.

A Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 3rd in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer.  A calling period from 10 to 10:30 a.m. will precede the services. A private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org).