Pramoda Maturu

Pramoda Maturu, age 80, was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He passed away in his home, surrounded by family on Friday, July 30, after a two year battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Ratna Maturu, the loving father of Ameet Maturu and Nina Maturu, and the silly grandfather of Alina and Mahir Maturu. To his colleagues and classmates, he was known for his commitment, intellect, and warm nature that made people feel seen and heard. To his friends and family he was known for his intellectual curiosity, impeccable taste, humorous storytelling, infectious laugh, and ability to fall asleep at any time or place. His journey in this life began in 1941 in Vizianagaram, India, the first child of Sakuntula Devi and Dr Krishnamurty Maturu, and the elder brother to seven sisters. At age 15, he left home for Visakhapatnam to obtain his BA and MA in Pharmacy at Andhra University. For his PhD he wanted to study in the United States, but was told by a professor that the US was impossible and he should try for the UK. Believing in himself (and wanting to prove his professor wrong) he applied to the PhD program at the University of Minnesota in Pharmaceutical Engineering and was accepted. Wearing the warmest thing he had (a sweater), he boarded a plane in 1963 to start a new life in the United States. During almost 60 years in the United States, he lived in Minneapolis, MN, West Lafayette, IN, Rouses Point, NY, Hillsboro, NJ, Silver Spring, MD, and McLean, VA and obtained a PhD at University of Minnesota, Post-Doctorate at Purdue University, and a MBA at McGill University. He lived in his current home in McLean, VA for over 30 years with his wife and two children, and served his adopted homeland as a Scientist for the Food & Drug Administration. He enjoyed spending time with family, learning history, watching movies, and was always up for a drink or a hug. May he rest in peace and continue to bring joy to those around him. His family will be holding a ceremony to celebrate his life and pay respects on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, from 12-2pm at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway Falls Church, VA. A livestream of the service will be available to view.