Awadhesh Kumar Sinha

Awadhesh Kumar Sinha, affectionately known as "Howard" to friends and "Nana" to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023, at the age of 89. Born in Patna, India, on January 11, 1934, he was the eldest of eight siblings.

Awadhesh earned a degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from King Edward VII Hospital in Bombay and treated patients in India and England before moving to Memphis, Tennessee to become the chief occupational therapist at Les Passees Rehabilitation Center. It was there he met Erika, a private first class, studying nursing at the University of Tennessee. After marrying, Awadhesh helped establish the OT department at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In 1967, he joined the US Army Medical Specialist Corps. During the Vietnam War, both he and Erika served at the 2nd General Hospital in Germany. The couple later settled in the Washington DC area, where he worked at DC General, St. Elizabeth's, Walter Reed, and VA Hospitals. After 35 years of service, he retired with the rank of full Colonel on April 10, 1995. In 2005, the couple moved to Orlando, Florida.

Awadhesh was an adventurer who enjoyed tennis, swimming, dancing, cooking Indian food, playing chess, walking, and basking in the Florida sunshine. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a lively conversationalist and a playful practical joker. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, two daughters, four grandchildren, and three siblings.