Sainath’s journey began 73 years ago in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India where he grew up one among 8 siblings. He was lovingly called as Sai by all who knew him.
Sai’s family migrated to Madras very early in his childhood and he did his schooling in MCTM and graduated with a Bachelors degree from Pachaiyappa's College.
He met the love of his life, Valaja (Viji) in 1968 who he married in 1970 and spent the rest of his life with, as a devout husband and a loving, caring father to their two children, Arjun and Arthi.
He spent the majority of his professional career with Air India which he considered as his second family where he built unbreakable life long friendships. Sai attributed all his success to the 36 years he spent there.
Sai and Viji were close to their family and friends in India. However, their love for their kids and especially their grandchildren - Siyona, Milan and Ari made them take a rather involved move half a world away to the US. They relocated and settled in their current home in Tampa, 5 minutes away from their daughter Arthi. He not only relocated in his late sixties to a foreign county but he worked full time with insurance and billing at Florida Orthopedic Institute. He was well liked and respected by his team.
He tremendously enjoyed watching and playing all forms of sport especially cricket. His favorite cricket teams were the National Indian Cricket Team as well as Chennai Super Kings.
Sai was a fun loving, bubbly, enthusiastic person who enjoyed socializing with family and friends, a scotch (or two), playing cards, traveling, taking long road trips, listening to Indian music. Sai and Viji were always involved in projects transforming their house into a beautiful home that they made so many memories in.
More than anything, Sai along with his wife loved spending time with his grandchildren. He loved building puzzles with Ari, playing ball with Milan and having light hearted and intellectual conversations with Siyona, his oldest grandchild.
His most recent vacation he enjoyed with his wife was to New Orleans and his last family gathering was Vinayaka Chathurthi with his daughters family. He enjoyed regular Sunday lunches with the family. Most recently, he enjoyed eating Andhra chicken curry made specially by his daughter, who loved cooking for him. On September 16th, he was enjoying his morning walk listening to his favorite music.
His life’s journey was a one lived to the fullest in a manner that inspired everyone who knew him. He was always described as having a tender smile, gentle voice, calm demeanor and as incredibly kind and compassionate human being who was always willing to help others selflessly.
Sai strongly believed that life needs to be enjoyed in the present moment.
This memorial service is not just a tribute to his passing away, it is rather an intentional celebration in memory of his rich life, all that he represented, stood for and what he meant to many people from around the world.
Memorial service for Sai will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM EST US at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, 12690 N 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.
The family appreciates everyone’s thoughtful wishes and messages during these times. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For those wishing to send flowers, please have them delivered before Wednesday September 22, 2021 at 5 pm EST US.
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