Avadnandhan Ramachandra

SHREWSBURY- Avadnandhan Ramachandra, M.D., Poet, known by many as "Dr. Ram", 79, died Thursday, January 14 at St. Vincent Hospital.

He leaves his beloved wife of 45 years, Mary; two sons, Vijay Chandra and his wife, Deepa, of Brighton and Jaydev Chandra of Worcester; two grandchildren, Matthew and Hannah Chandra; a nephew, Matthew Chacko of Leominster, whom he thought of as a son and his brother's son Vivek Sekhar who resides in Delhi, India. His brother, Chandrasekhar predeceased him.

Born in Patna, India, he was the son of Avadnandhan and Rajakishori. He was a 1955 Graduate of Stanley Medical College, Madras, India and a Major in the Indian Army Medical Corps until 1967. He worked in Aberdeen, Scotland until 1972 and came to the U.S. the same year. Dr. Ram worked as a Pediatrician and ER Physician at area hospitals, retiring from St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester in 1997, but continuing to work in a part time capacity until 2004. Since that time he has indulged his lifelong interest in poetry and has had his work published in this and other newspapers. He has also been involved with various senior organizations and actively volunteered his time at local hospitals and libraries.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, January 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM atCALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to
American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013, for Haiti Earthquake Relief. For directions and online condolences please visit
www.callahanfay.com.