Dr. Elias A. Nalli

It is with overwhelming anguish that we share the passing of our precious father, husband, father-in-law, and grandfather, Dr. Elias Anand Nalli, who has been lifted up to heaven on August 31, 2024 at the age of 83. He suffered several years from Parkinsons and the side effects of its treatments, which greatly diminished his overall health. He was admitted to the hospital with chest pains and died after an unsuccessful cathlab procedure at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona from a massive heart attack.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Esther Rani Nalli. He leaves behind, two sons, Joshua, and Joey, one daughter, Hannah, daughter in law, Monica, son in law, Doug, and two grandchildren, Nikita and Jeremiah. He was a locally renowned General Surgeon, practicing in Arizona for over 25 years. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Nalli was born during the end of World War II, fleeing Burma during heavy bombardment and migrated to India aboard a cargo ship with his mother, elder brother and two sisters. He received his doctorate from Andhra Medical College in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. After completing his medical degree, he worked as a civil service physician for the government all over India before migrating to the United States in the late ‘70s to join his elder brother, Dr. Solomon Raju in San Francisco, California. His family and sisters, Lydia Pilli and Emily Injeti joined him a few years later with their families. He completed his surgical residency in Brooklyn, New York. He practiced General Surgery in Kentucky for a few years before settling down near his elder sister, Emily in Tucson, Arizona. Emily passed away in Tucson, Arizona in February, 2022.

Dr. Nalli’s mother, Subbamma Nalli converted from Hinduism, spread the gospel and raised all her four children in the Christian faith. Subbamma and her husband, Anandam were small business owners, local leaders and continued to support their community until her passing in 1988 at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Dr. Nalli was a quiet, humble, and compassionate man that faced racism, and many struggles trying to get his medical practice established. He had a strong work ethic and charming personality. His fellow physicians preferred collaborating with him and appreciated his medical experience, surgical skills, and professionalism. His patients recognized his gentleness, genuine empathy, active listening and tender care. His favorite hobby was fishing, touring the country on long road trips and also enjoyed watching movies with his family.

He served at a mission hospital in India. I lived with him while he was serving in one of them. I observed that he was a very generous man like his wonderful father, industrious like his great mother and hardworking like his famous brother. I was greatly blessed knowing him on earth. I can’t wait to meet him again in God’s presence. In the meantime, I will greatly miss him. His reward is with the Lord in Heaven. Rest In Peace, Chinnayana. Darwin

A visitation for Elias will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at External Service Location, 5801 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712.