Pulla G. Reddy

Where do I even begin on the man, the myth, the legend that is Gangireddy Pullareddy. As there was little to no documentation at his birth, much of what follows has been passed down orally by my father, as well as other relatives. This is my best attempt to provide an accurate portrayal and any exaggeration or fabrication is unintentional.

Gangireddy Pullareddy was born to Gangireddy Narayanreddy and Ankammareddy in the small Indian village of Akuthotpalli nestled at base of the Velikonda and Lankamalla mountain ranges. Sadly, he was the seventh born child of nine but was the first to survive - his sister, Athamma, was his only other surviving sibling. He recalled several fond memories of roaming these mountain ranges, including one where he brought home a mountain lion cub. Despite fond childhood memories of befriending animals, tragedy struck again as his father died of cirrhosis when my dad was only ten. Noting both of his father’s destructive drinking and smoking habits, he vowed to avoid both and raised his kids in the same way. Always inquisitive and seeking greater opportunities, he sought out educational opportunities at a Christian school, despite the uncertain financial and social costs as a high caste Hindu. It was at school that his age was estimated, based on a dental examination, and his birthday was assigned as Feb 3, 1947 as no birth certificates were issued in his village when he was born. Later, he attended Spicer College where he made many lifelong friends and GMH Nursing School, where he met the love of his life, Kamala Sukrutam.

They married and welcomed their first daugter, Geeta, who was born in India on Dec 7, 1969. A couple of years later their second daughter, Swinita, was also born in India on Oct 14, 1971. Concurrently, Gangireddy Pullareddy was seeking out a better life for his new family and had immigrated to the United States of America. Going through immigration, his name emerged as Pulla Gangi Reddy. After successfully bringing his new family to Takoma Park, Maryland, Pulla and Kamala Reddy added their first son, Rajashaker, on Nov 21, 1973. A couple of years later, Rajendra, was also born on Jul 4, 1975. While pregnant with their fifth child, tragedy struck again and Kamala passed away due to medical complications on Nov 22, 1975. Through his grief, Pulla Reddy, miraculously worked an expedited immigration process for Kamala’s parents and five siblings.

With the support of the Sukrutam family and his own financial resourcefulness, he successfully raised all four children, who have gone on to enjoy success in their own careers and have raised families of their own. On February 3, 1994, he married Esther, who was also raised in the Cuddapah area of India. After enduring the emotional and financial and emotional expenses of fertility treatments and procedures, on Jul 17, 2005, they welcomed twins: Kamalakar and Kavitha. Both are preparing to start college this fall semester.

Pulla is currently survived by his former spouse Esther, his sister Athamma, his six children: Geeta, Swinita, Rajashaker, Rajendra, Kamalakar, and Kavitha, eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. To his grandchildren, he was known as “Cookie Thatha” for always bringing them cookies.

He will be laid to rest in George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Reddy family.