Dilipkumar Kanubhai Patel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dilipkumar (Dilip) Patel on November 5, 2023. In his last moments of life, he was surround by his loving family. Dilip was a cherished husband to Gita, a devoted father to Gopi and Shivni, an honest advisor to Chirag and Shalin, and a doting grandfather to Eashan and Selena. He was also a loving brother, uncle, ‘Dilip dada/nana’ and friend to so many others.

Dilip was born on January 17, 1948 in Ujjain, India to the late Kanubhai and Lalitaben Patel. He immigrated to the United States in 1969 and helped his siblings, in-laws and friends join him in following years. He married Gita, his wife of 49 years, in 1974. They eventually settled in Detroit where they raised their two daughters, Gopi and Shivni.

Dilip was more than a name. He was a pillar of strength, a trusted advisor, a reliable friend, and a dependable source of playful humor and tough love. His warm smile and compassionate nature touched the lives of everyone he met. He embodied the virtues he always taught others. Dilip valued his family and close friends above all else and was immensely proud of them.

A man of great integrity, he built a life founded on hard work and dedication. Dilip was not just a provider, he was a mentor, confidant, and a true friend. His generosity knew no bounds, extending to the friends he welcomed into his life and the community he embraced.

Dilip’s legacy lives on through the wisdom he imparted and the countless lives he touched. As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate the incredible person he was and find solace in the memories that will forever reside in our hearts.

Outside of spending time with family, he enjoyed singing, football, cooking, teaching, reading, and joking around and making others laugh. Dilip also felt strongly about education and knowledge being the foundation to life. He also firmly believed in everyone’s right to clean water and dedicated 29 years of his career to carrying out that mission for the citizens of the City of Detroit. Because of this, in lieu of flowers being sent to the family or funeral home, the family requests donations to be made to an educational charity of your choice or Heifer International in Dilip’s honor, continuing his spirit of giving and compassion.

May Dilip’s soul find eternal peace, and may we carry his legacy forward, honoring the values he held dear.