Zillur Rahman Athar MD

Zillur R Athar, MD, age 79, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 21, 2015 after a long illness.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Joanna (Mansolillo) and loving children, Natasha, and Jay. He was the son of the late Abdul Hadi Athar and Maimona Khatoon. He was predeceased by siblings, Zahidur Rahim Athar, Dr. Shafiul A. Athar, Momen Athar, and Abeda Khatoon. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Louis Mansolillo and Jack Tavone, and sisters-in-law, Mohsena Begum, Ayesha Begum, Fawzia Athar, and Josie Tavone, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Dr. Athar was a native of Bangladesh (Sandwip) and came to the United States in 1961. A resident of Nashville since 1966, he also taught as a professor of psychiatry at Meharry Medical College. He was a founding member and the first president of the Tennessee Association of International Physicians and an active member of the APA. He established a private psychiatric practice in the early 1970s, retiring in 2007. Dr. Athar was known as a very caring and compassionate physician to his patients and colleagues. All who knew him held him in highest regards, noting him as a selfless, kind, and positive person - always lifting the spirits of those around him.

Dr. Athar is remembered by his family as being the most loving, gentle, generous, patient, good-natured, humorous, doting, understanding, heroic, and philanthropic husband, father, and human being. His infectious smile and laughter will always remain in our hearts and minds. He was an avid reader of history, philosophy, literature, politics, and a variety of sciences, as well as a person possessing great passion for nature, adventure, sports, world traveling, fishing, and gardening.

The family would like to extend deepest and heartfelt appreciation to the professional caregivers for their attentive and compassionate care.

Public visitation will take place at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home from 4 pm to 8 pm on Monday August 24. A private family burial service will be held Tuesday August 25.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to "Loaves and Fishes" c/o Catholic Charities, 30 White Bridge Rd.,

Nashville, TN 37205 - or charity of one's choice.