ForeverMissed
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Venu will be remembered for his fun-loving, cheerful, lively and caring personality. He made a lasting impression on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Venu survived by his wife and three adorable children.

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Venu Challagolla . We will remember him forever.

Please share a Story, leave a Tribute and Share Pictures in the Gallery.

Memorial Service Details
Viewing - Wednesday May-01 2PM to 8PM
Rituals & Cremation - Thursday May-02 9AM to 12PM

Memorial Service Address
Carmon Community Funeral Homes
807, Bloomfield Ave., Windsor, CT-06095

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Family members,  

Venu was always passionate about supporting children and their education worldwide. In lieu of flowers, the family desires that his friends, family and colleagues to make contributions to either of the options https://www.unicef.org/ and https://healcharity.org/india/about-us/working-tog... . This is the best way to cherish his memory and also keep his passion alive.

May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Jyothy, you have our deepest sympathy on your loss. Venu will be sorely missed. It was a joy to know him. We had become very good friends and we enjoyed each others company and gatherings.
Our deepest sympathies go out to you, kids and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
Sriram Vikram M
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
It always took Venu so long to walk the length of the Link at Travelers because he always had a greeting and kind word for anyone he knew, and he knew a lot of people that would be meeting there. I will always miss the smile, handshake, and "Good morning, Miss Jen!"
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
I’m deeply saddened and in disbelief that Venu has left us so early. Venu’s passion for learning was extraordinary…..his willingness and desire to teach and help others were remarkable…and his genuine kindness and light-hearted spirit were contagious to everyone around him. At work, no matter what the task or challenge was, we always knew that it would get done if Venu was working on it. His intense commitment to his work, his teams, and his coworkers was evident to everyone around him. I’m thankful that I got the chance to know him and work with him and for the lasting impression that he has left on me forever. To his family and friends, I hope that Venu’s love for you and the many fond memories that you have shared with him will help you through this difficult time.  He was such an incredibly kind and gentle soul and will be deeply missed.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Venu, may your soul rest in peace, and to Venu's family I am sorry for your loss and I pray you have strength until that day you meet again.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Venu always went out of his way to make sure I got what I needed from him to get my work done. Ever since the day I met him, I was always greeted with the most enthusiastic greeting wherever I saw him around Travelers. His energy was vibrant and kindness was nurturing. It shocks me to hear this news, he will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Challagolla family in the loss of Venu! Words cannot express the sorrow that many share with you during this difficult time. Venu, was such a great leader, friend and a mentor to many! He was a man who wore many hats, who was full of life and energy with an infectious smile. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work for him! Although our hearts are shattered to pieces for his sudden loss, let us remember the great accomplishments, love for his wife and family and the precious memories that will last forever. May God comfort and strengthen the family during this difficult time. Praying for the family.
Regards,
Yvette Thompson
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
About 8 years ago when traveling to Hartford, I had the pleasure of spending some time with Venu. Even though this was the first time I had sat down to speak with him, I felt like I had known him for years. He was so passionate about everything he spoke about that night. He first talked about his family and his children sharing some funny stories when his boys were younger. We then transitioned to work topics. I left that night excited about the work we were doing and where the future was heading. When he spoke you listened. He said that if I ever needed anything to reach out to him and he'd make it happen. I know he would have. A few years later back in Hartford, I didn't know if he'd remember me, but not only did he, he asked about my family and the work that I was doing. He made you feel special.  How lucky was I and many others to have spent just a short time with him. He has left us way too early. My thoughts go out to his beloved family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
So sorry to hear of Venu's passing.
He will remain a cherished part of our UB community forever.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Challagolla family. While I had the opportunity to work under Venu for a number of years, my wife and I had the opportunity to attend a Hartford Wolf Pack hockey game together. We brought t-shirts for the kids to wear and we got to see the enthusiasm expressed by the kids that I have been so used to experiencing from Venu. He'll be missed terribly.  - Mark and Deb Finn
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Venu was a part of the University of Bridgeport community and I am so sad to hear of his passing. He is clearly very loved. My condolences to the Challagolla family and friends, my thoughts are with you all.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
With deep shock and anguish I am writing this tribute. Venu as a kid was very disciplined and fun loving. He was very naughty but very sharp. There was no need to tell him anything second time. He would grasp the concept of what you are telling him immediately. That's why I think he reached to this position on his own. I can't forget the moments we spent together. As a child he liked going to Hollywood movies and we have seen many movies together. He visits me everytime he is in Hyderabad even if it is for an hour. It's a great loss to whole family particularlly to Vadina and Annayya. We pray the Almighty to give strength to family to coup with this untimely loss - SIVA PRASAD (Venu's babai).
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
To the Challagolla Family,
I have had the pleasure of directly working with Venu over the last few years. Venu is one of the most hard working, unassuming, amiable and respectful persons I have known. Just a few weeks ago, he shared with me his personal goals of finishing his Ph.D. over the next 5/6 years and then getting into academics so he can have schedule flexibility to take care of his aging parents. I was very impressed with his concern for his parents.
Overall, my interaction with Venu has been very positive and has given me multiple opportunities to admire him as a colleague and as a person. Venu will surely be missed.
My sincere condolences to you all! May his soul rest in peace!!!
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
There are no words to express the shock and sorrow that so many are feeling now. I only worked with Venu for a short time over the past few months, but I felt like I had known him longer through stories people would share about his determination and kindheartedness. I am honored that I had the opportunity to see those characteristics first hand. 
The common thread across all of these tributes is Venu's smile. Some people smile with just their mouth, some people smile with their heart, and some people, like Venu, smile from their soul. The light he generated from his smile alone was something that I know we will all remember.
I am thankful and appreciative that I also had the opportunity to talk with him about his beloved children. I know they were his motivation to always excel and strive to accomplish more.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to Venu's wife, children, family and friends. He will be remembered always.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Jyothi, Samiha, Arsh, Neev, and family--I leave you my deepest sympathies for your great loss, and during this difficult time I hope that you find solace with loved ones and through many fond memories of Venu. I greatly admired him, and he was an incredible inspiration to me, personally and professionally. When Venu faced any opportunity of challenge (and he pursued many), his first instincts were to learn, to teach if he could, and always to be a man of kindness and action with others. I dearly miss his smile, his curiosity, his quick wit and deep knowledge, his compassion, ...his spirit and my memories of him will continue to inspire me.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Jyothy and Kids, my prayers are for you all today and tomorrow to get through the next couple of days, then after that to get through the sadness of the loss of Venu. He is leaving a void for so many but none will feel the void as much as his family. 
My memories of Venu are much of the same everyone else has left, he brought energy into a room and never missed a chance to say hi. He loved to learn and to challenge the boundaries. I will miss sitting on the link and seeing him pass by, well, never just pass by, he would always stop and say "Hey Man, how's it going". My heart breaks for his family, the loss is great, my condolences to you.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
One of my coworkers said "such a bright light extinguished way too soon." Venu was a kind and sincere person. I will miss his smile because it was more than just a smile. It was a ray of sunshine. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Challagolla family. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Venu over the past few weeks. His compassion for the team, his "can do" attitude and dedication to the work is unsurpassed. He always made time for everyone and loved to come by and chat for no other reason than to check in to see how I was doing.  I will always remember seeing him running to meetings, laptop open and in hand, smiling that bright, genuine smile, waving and shouting "Hello Miss Cathy".  God speed Venu.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
To the Challagolla Family,
It was so shocking to know about the untimely demise of a great friend and my deepest condolences to the family for the loss. We just talked a month ago on his birthday and he had the same humor and energy I have seen since we were in our high school. We will miss a wonderful and kind friend, wish the family gains strength to overcome the difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
I’m in deep shock and still hope this to be nightmare, but God always have our fate written over the wall and have to accept it. Venu was Gem of a person , a genius intellectual and had privilege to get an opportunity to work under him 5 year back , and were planning meet soon .
May his soul Rest In Peace and condolences with his family, journey will be definitely be tough but am sure Venu’s energy vibes will always be there supporting and our prayers always with the family
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. I was only able to work with venu for a short time but enjoyed his spirit and positive nature. I met venu my first week at my new job at Travelers , he asked me if I tried Indian Tea , I answered no, so we decided to sit down and chat for an hour drinking Indian tea. I have worked with lot's of people through the years and cherish the time when I meet "One of the good ones in life" . You will be missed by all
S K
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. From the short time that we had known Venu, we will always remember his kind smile, warmth and gentle nature. Our deepest condolences to Jyothi, his parents, his children, family, and friends. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Om Shanti!
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
You will always be remembered with a smile and every conversation about you will bring a smile
May 1, 2019
Deepest condolences to Chellagolla family. May god give them a lot of strength to get over this tragedy. We will dearly miss the ever smiling Venu. May his soul RIP..
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Of all my years at work, Venu stands out as one of the (if not the most) friendly person I have met there. Every time we crossed paths he always had a smile. He was the type of person that people gravitated to because you saw the inherent kindness inside of him. The world is a slightly darker place without him. He will surely be missed by very, very many.  Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
My deepest and heartfelt condolences. I have known him since 6th grade and he has always been a good friend to all. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for this loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace and pray god to give enough strength to his family to get past this huge loss.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Venu, I will never forget the image of your gentle and bright face.
I cannot believe you are no longer with us … I have to believe that God has
bigger plans for you. You will always remain in our hearts.
May God rest your soul.
May 1, 2019
I am very sad due to untimely and unexpected disappearance of my beloved VENU .

My condolences to Mrs Jyothi,Venu's 3 pretty children,Venu's sister Mrs Laxmi, Mr Gopi,My brother Sri Prabhudas n my sister in law Smt Parvathi and Jyothi's parents and eachone of his friends and relatives.....

I know him since his birth 1974,as Iam his Babayi.
I have many special stories and photos to post.
He has only friends.His smile ,words and jovial nature are special.
You are in our memories forever Venu Babai !

May his soul rest in peace.
I hope his family members(including us) get healed at the early.

Challagulla Balakrishna.
Babayi.


May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
Very sad to hear this shocking news. Deepest condolences to family and friends. Still vividly remember his jovial way, passion for work and ability to mingle and make others at ease. Will be missed by all.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
I did not know Venu very long, but our short time of interaction left a deep impression on me. Venu was one of the most approachable, sincere and genuine people that I am honored to have known - and will remember his contagious and kind smile.
We had many spontaneous conversations during our program, and he was always engaged, gracious and humble despite his vast knowledge. I remember seeing him with his family and one could see the closeness between them all.
I send my prayers to his family and close friends. It is a tragic loss that has come much too early, but he has left his mark on many.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Our deepest condolences to Jyothi and the kids. Our prayers are with you!
I have known Venu since year 2000. He was instrumental in my move to Austin and taking up a job with Dell Computers. His sense of humor and affection for everyone is what comes to mind when I think of him. He is a wonderful friend and taken too soon. Venu is going to be missed! May his soul rest in peace.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
As is the case for many people who’ve shared their story so far, I got to know Venu through work. Being who he is, Venu quickly became my mentor, my friend, and someone I’ll always look up to. Venu’s passion for life and exploration was infectious and affected everyone that came in contact with him. You could always count on him to be there for you and find a way to make even the darkest hour bright. This world will sorely miss your big heart and brilliant mind.
My deepest condolences to the entire Challagolla family for your tremendous loss - I know that Venu’s gentle smile will forever warm your hearts.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Venu was a pleasure to work for. He would light up any room he walked into. I can’t picture him without a big smile across his face and some new project he’s working on that he can’t wait to talk to someone about. The level of passion he showed for learning and trying new things was truly inspiring. He always loved to tell stories about his experiences and was always willing to help others in any way he could. My condolences to his family.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Venu, my dear Big Brother, i miss you very much. What an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts! You left us with wonderful memories and we will cherish them forever. There are no goodbyes, whereever you are, you will always be in our hearts.
Jyothi and kids, we keep you close in heart and may loving memories bring you comfort and strength.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
I really enjoyed working with Venu. In every encounter, he brought so much passion, enthusiasm, and positivity. He always wanted to help others, and he had a way of explaining things that made you eager to sit down with him to talk. My condolences to all of Venu’s friends and family. I will miss the joy he brought to every conversation.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Worked with Venu , a brilliant, affable, cheerful and a dedicated gentleman. His interest in continuous learning kept him innovative and he was a creative problem solver. His personality emanated empathy. What a loss and I have no words for the family. Sorry. Is there really God? I think when we have human beings like Venu, we are blind to look for God somewhere else. His blessings will be with the family
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Venu at Travelers and then he and I reconnected six months ago to discuss his joining University of Bridgeport's Ph.D. program. We spoke about a month ago and he was delighted to be in the program. He was especially excited to share his scholastic exploits with his daughter and felt his new endeavor brought them closer. That touched me then, and it is even more touching now. I am thankful to have known him. Know that during his short time at University of Bridgeport he left a lasting impression and we all miss him dearly. My condolences.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
I feel honored to have worked with Venu. His creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on a challenge and achieve it are all so remarkable. His ready smile and innate kindness are memorable. To his family, please accept my deepest sympathy.  Venu touched many lives, a truly great man. He shall always be remembered.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Very sad to hear about the sad and untimely demise of Venu. I knew Venu since the time he did internship at GE Appliance. In fact, we shared apartment along with other friends in Louisville, KY, spent wonderful time and our friendship continued to Dell and beyond. I spoke to him a month ago, and he expressed desire to pursue Ph.d. and shift his career into academics, I wish he is still around to fulfill his dreams. My deepest condolences to Jyothy and the kids. I pray for them to have the strength to overcome difficult time of their life. May his soul rest in piece!!!
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Venu was such a joy to work with. His sense of humor was infectious and he made going to work fun. His memory will always bring a smile to my face. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
To Jyothy chechi & kids and rest of Venu’s family - we know you are the ones who got the most influenced by Venu - so i am sure you will be able to survive this difficult situation- Venu's unlimited positive energy and the drive to face anything with a smile will be there as The Halo to cover you and to make you strong .
I got a great opportunity to work with Venu 5-6 years ago as part of one of the key initiatives in Travelers - SBIS area. On the very first day when he addressed the team, he said this - we should all be one team and none of us should be hesitant or scared to talk to each other - no matter what role we play!
Till today - it has been a great lesson for me in career life and i still hold those days close to my heart.
A great leader ..an excellent team player ..a person with a great positive attitude and respect for others...a wonderful human being who inspired many lives.... to make it short - he is indeed a rare find - a unique specimen - a real gem ! he will stay so in our minds for ever.
Will miss you Venu :-(
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
My health felt condolences to Venu’s family. I had lost contact with Venu for several years but found his profile on LinkedIn a couple of months back. He called me the same evening and we chatted for a couple of hours. It was like we had never lost contact. He had an infectious positive personality which will be sorely missed. May his soul Rest In Peace.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
I will always remember Venu as someone with a ready smile and a cheerful personality, My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Venu's legacy will be etched in history, by the experiences of his colleagues, friends & family. I will continue to cherish some of my own & I'm very grateful for that . Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family in these difficult times. He will be truly missed. May looking back in memory, help comfort us all tomorrow.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Venu, You will be very dearly and sorely missed.I dont think I have any wherewithal to comment how supremely crafted he was at his work but what a human being, a gem of all!!I m sure he has an everlasting impact on anyone he has ever met.Venu's personality was , is and shall always be remembered as an eternal streak of brilliance and compassion.I had been a BA in his team at Travelers 6 years ago and as mentioned he had such an impact in my tenure at travelers that I have always kept in touch and in fact went to his house last year. Like always he met me as if I m still a part of his team.I m forever grateful for the various lessons learnt from him both professionally and personally.My heart breaks and I just pray that his wife , his kids, his parents, his other family members get enough strength to carry his legacy and make him proud.
Venu and his family will always be in my prayers ..akanksha
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
I am so sad and shaken to hear this. I met Venu after 10 years not too long ago on March 12th while I was on a business trip to Hartford. I met him over dinner and I did not feel at all like I was meeting him after that long. Like always he was cheerful, pleasant and zealous about life. I remember vividly most of our conversation over dinner revolved around each others relationship with our daughters. He had a big heart and was an exceptional human being. He will be certainly be missed by everyone near and dear. Rest in peace my friend. My condolences to his family.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
My deepest condolences to Venu’s family. Stay strong Jyothi as you are the only strength to the kids. I had great experience working with Venu in last 8 years. He was a great friend, mentor and leader that influenced many of our lives in a positive way. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Look forward to cherish my memories with him and wish his soul will rest in piece.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
To the Challagolla family and friends,
I have had the honor of knowing Venu for over 10 years.  Venu was one of a kind, he was brilliant, genuine, humble and generous. Venu was an inspiration, his smile was infectious and could light up a room; while his passion could make you dig deep inside of yourself and run through walls to accomplish a goal.  I have always admired Venu, who he was as a person, the way he treated and cared for others, his vision for what was possible and his ability to make what could appear as impossible, very possible. 
Venu made everyone feel like they were special, Venu gave us hope and made us believe we could accomplish our dreams.
Venu will forever be in our thoughts and in all of our hearts.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
Watched the video a couple of times. Venu always wanted to be "Loved by All". Unconditional Love is what he had to offer to others. Miss You Buddy.
April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
If Venu was in the room, you would know it. His jokes, laughter and an awesome attitude towards life is a thing to aspire for. I have a very vivid memory of when I first met him. As someone who had just come to the US and knew very few people, he was one of the handful of folks who made a sincere effort to get me acclimated. The few words of Telegu that I know, were all taught by him. He’s going to be missed.
To Jyothy and the kids, my heart goes out to all of you. Stay strong. We are always with you.
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Recent Tributes
April 28, 2022
April 28, 2022
Those,who know Venu can never forget his unique overall personality.

He was a man with sense of humour.
He was a very inquisitive person right from boyhood. He was a friend to different aged persons. He was highly individual,self respected,and a self confident person.
Dear Venu! You are living in our memories.
November 2, 2019
November 2, 2019
We are all very saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Venu. He was a loving, caring, and compassionate human being. His contagious smile and love for others will forever live in our souls and our memories. He will always be known for his kindness and courage. One classmate from his living group expressed that he was encouraged by Venu and that it helped him get through GMP: "I think I could not have finished GMP without him. He was kind and polite." Venu brought out the best in others. He motivated others always to grow and become better versions of themselves. "I heard that he challenged PhD, and I thought I had to grow like him. He is in my heart forever."

Venu truly loved his classmates and particularly Living Group 23. Venu brought his living group together and held the online reunion, and he was always at the center of LG23.

Venu was a kind soul and will be remembered as someone always available, supportive, and dedicated to the well-being of others, no matter how busy or tired he was and no matter the time of the day or night. Venu was selfless in every sense of the word. Venu always thought of others first.

His classmates remember him as follows. "How he could light up a room with his presence and his smile, a quality that made him naturally be loved by everyone."

"I'll always remember his candid and humble way of asking questions, although in most cases he knew more than us, either because of his experience or because of how hard he studied and listened to the answers without interrupting." Venu was incredibly brilliant, yet exemplified a level of humility any of us would aspire to become. One of his living group classmates recalled, "I'll always remember our late-night chats, talking about life, making plans, and thinking about what could have been the next big thing to be involved with."

Venu spoke of his beautiful family and the love he had for his wonderful wife, Jyothy, and his three children, Samiha, Arsh, and Neev. His love, his light, and his legacy will continue to live through them.

Venu, we love you, we miss you, and we will always honor you through the lessons you taught us in your ability to love others unconditionally, have a humble spirit, and naturally be the light in other people's lives.

Rest in peace, our friend, forever and always.—GMP 25.
May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019
I am one of the fortunate ones to have spend few years working with Venu in Travelers and its really hard to believe that he is not with us anymore.
All my meetings ,discussions ,interactions ,parties with him are flashing from last one week and it will not stop anytime soon. Although I have not been in touch over the last few years , I have always looked up to him to be my mentor and guide.
He played a big role in shaping my career unknowingly. Talking to him was enough motivation for me to keep up with the project pressure.
I very well remember the first design discussion meeting with him way back in June 2012 which changed everything for me.
There cannot be a star brighter than him who has touched so many lives just by being himself with his energy ,smile and compassion for everyone around him.
May your soul rest in peace !!
Recent stories

Forever in our hearts

May 5, 2019

You lead, mentored, guided, hired, taught me what is right, what is wrong and have always inspired me. 

You were and will always be my Godfather.


May 5, 2019

I met Venu late 2018 in an executive education course we both participated in; it was a short time but fully emersive, incredibly personal and thoroughly engaging. 

All the participants brought their best to the table, we were all trying to do and be our best version. But not Venu. It was clear to me, and I speak for myself and many of my colleagues, that Venu’s natural self was the best we all aspired for and inspired by. Venu’s humility, positivity and cheerfulness was infectious. He wasn't even “trying” like the rest of us; he simply was his beautiful self. 

I am heartbroken by the loss of such a beautiful soul and my deepest condolences to Jyothi and your beautiful children. Know this, you have a freind in Kuwait, someone who one day will want to tell your children when they grow up what an amazing father they have. It’s not nostalgia; it’s the truth. I am blessed to have known him. Rest In Peace you beautiful soul.

May 4, 2019

Venu Babai was always the exciting and cool babai for us, and I wish we had been able to say goodbye to him before he left us. It hurts to know that I can't look forward to his surprise visits and messages anymore. 

I remember when I went to visit him in Austin when I was younger. I told him I only put salt and pepper on my eggs, and he told me that wasn't the right way. He proceeded to put way too much chili powder in the omelette he was making and told me that it was the correct way to make eggs. Once he ate it however, he was sweating and couldn't eat it. 9 year old me found it absolutely hilarious and couldn't stop laughing. I thought he was the funniest person -- and I wish he was still here so I could laugh at his jokes again. 

I miss you Babai, and I will always remember you for the fun loving and caring person that you were.   

Love, Keerthana

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