Dr. Reddysastry Cherukuri of Folsom, California, passed away on July 12, 2015 in Newton, Massachusetts after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his wife and companion of 46 years Dr. Rukmini Cheruvanky, his daughter Dr. Anu Cherukuri of Walnut Creek, California, son Aravind Cherukuri, daughter-in-law Keerthi Sadananda and grand-daughter Leela Cherukuri of Newton, Massachusetts and sister Annapurna Tata of Bhubhaneshwar, India. Dr. Cherukuri was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed.

Dr. Cherukuri was born in Behrampore, India, on September 8, 1936 and grew up in a small town called Srikakulam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Having lost his mother at the early age of four, he was raised by his father and loving extended family. After completing his schooling in his home town, he went on to get his PhD in organic chemistry from Andhra University, Vishakapatnam, India.

Dr. Cherukuri pursued his love for scientific research as the Chief of Medicinal Chemistry, R&D, at the Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Center, Hyderabad, India. After an illustrious career spanning 30 years, he emigrated to the United States in 1994 and continued contributing to the scientific community as Chief of R&D for Nutracea, based in Eldorado Hills, California. He finished his career with an astounding 153 scientific publications and 13 patents and made many break-throughs in the areas of medicinal chemistry and new drug development.

Despite the workload that came with a very prolific career in scientific research, Dr. Cherukuri remained to his last days a very loving and dutiful family man who deeply loved his wife and children, and was much loved by every member of his extended family and his childrens' friends, all of whom formed lasting memories of his laid-back warmth and quiet sense of humor.

A very conscientious man who always believed in doing the right thing, he had a deep sense of fairness and integrity and always focused on the good in every person. He was truly a special person and will be missed forever.