Kamalakar Rao Naidu

Kamalakar Rao Naidu, 93, of Richmond, Virgina, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, October 27, 2025. He was preceded in death by his son, Joe Prahlad Naidu. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dr. SakkuBai Naidu; his son, Dr. Ajit Naidu (Divya); and his daughter, Dr. Anuradha Naidu-McCown (Derek). He was known as "Thatha" to his five grandchildren, Joey Naidu, Brooke Naidu, Akshaya Naidu, Advaith Naidu, and Vin McCown. He was equally loved by all of his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews as well.

Kamalakar was born in Rajahmundry, India, spent his formative years in Chennai India where he excelled in tennis, a sport that he played until his late 70’s. He studied Electrical Engineering at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, India, and afterwards got recruited to Post WWII Germany and Switzerland where he worked as an engineer for 10 years. Because of this, he was fluent in German and also even spoke some Yiddish. He took a quick trip home to get married to Sakkubai, and together, they immigrated to the United States, where he earned a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute.

Although he had a pioneering independent spirit, he was very much a dedicated family man and was truly a Mr Mom at home, shuttling kids to activities, and making sure there was always a home cooked meal for family dinners every night. He was a proud father. His house was considered “Ellis Island” for anyone who had accepted an invitation to come for either a quick visit, or spring board to their next achievement. He was known to have had the 2 hands that had cooked a thousand meals.

Professionally, Kamalakar spent 33 years as a nuclear engineer, with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, retiring in 2007. He spent his retirement exercising, gardening, fishing and boating. With a few retiree friends, he even bought and renovated a sailboat and had gone on a few hunting trips as well. Most of all he enjoyed doting on family & friends. Although he had many accolades both at work and academically, his greatest achievement was not only immigrating to and being successful in the United States, but helping many family members and friends do the same from his native India.

A Hindu Pooja, Memorial, and Cremation Service will be held Saturday, November 1, 10:00AM, at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia, 23229. A luncheon following the ceremony will be held at 3818 Seminary Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, 23227, at 1:30PM.

The family would like to thank the tireless nursing staff of the MRICU at VCU Medical Center for their kindness and affection in caring for him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hindu Center of Virginia, or to your local YMCA.