Dr. Somashekhar Munavalli

Dr. Munavalli was born in Sampgaon, India, on October 14, 1931, to Nagappa and Veeramma (Bodanavar) Munavalli. He received numerous academic awards, scholarships, and training from the government of India. In 1957, he arrived in the USA to attend the University of Kansas, where he earned his M.Sc. in biochemistry. Shortly after that, he moved to France to attend the University of Strasbourg, where he earned his Ph.D. and Sc.D. in 1963.

Between these academic achievements, he married his wife, Malati Uppin, on October 23, 1961, and they would be married for 61 years. After several years in France, Dr. and Mrs. Munavalli moved to the USA, eventually settling in North Carolina, where Dr. Munavalli taught at university and raised three children, Sanjay, Girish, and Anoopa.

In 1982, the family moved to Bel Air, Maryland, where Dr. Munavalli began work at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a biochemist for the US government. Dr. Munavalli remained in this position until he retired in 2009, moving to Indian Land, SC, to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Malati; son, Sanjay, and his wife, Michelle, along with their daughters, Mackenna and Regan; son, Girish, and his son, Vir; daughter, Anoopa, and her husband, Robert, along with their sons and daughters, Deven, Kiran, Maya, and Priya.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Parker. His life was one of great achievement, and while his departure leaves us in grief, we are filled with wonderful memories of his sacrifice and love for each of us.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Munavalli family.