Vithal Shridar ("Arun") Bhate

Vithal Shridhar Bhate, age 73, of Newark, DE passed away February 26, 2017. Vithal, known to his friends and family as Arun, was born in India on March 22, 1943, the son of Shridhar and Indira Bhate.

Arun was a graduate of I.I.T. in India. He moved to the United States in 1968 and attended the University of Delaware for a time. He loved to tell the story of how he came to America with only a few dollars in his wallet and was fortunate to meet and be taken in by Richard and Joan Stewart, with whom he formed a lasting relationship. He was very proud of all that he accomplished in his lifetime considering how little he had to begin his journey in the states.

Arun met Marian Bunting while attending UD.   They were married in 1972. They raised two sons, Shireesh V. Bhate and Nikhil V. Bhate, together. The boys fondly remember all the times their father lovingly prepared traditional Indian meals for them. It was one of the ways he showed his love and affection for his boys.  Arun was always quick to acknowledge how he was welcomed with open arms by the Bunting clan. He often reminisced about his many fond memories of his time with his Delawarean family.

Arun worked as both a professional Civil Engineer in the state of Delaware and a Real Estate Agent. He prided himself on being a jack of all trades and experimented with several entrepreneurial projects over the years including renovating homes and running his own Indian grocery store. He had a thirst for knowledge and was passionate about politics and world affairs. He was especially concerned with keeping tabs on “goings on” in India. His love for his homeland was palpable and fierce.

Arun was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Aarti Bhate. He is survived by his sister, Mangala Sudhalkar, his brother Uday Bhate, his sons Shireesh V. Bhate and Nikhil V. Bhate, his daughter-in-law Mari-Ann Bhate, and his grandchildren Quintin Charles Bhate and Kara Aarti Bhate.

Private services will be held. Online condolences can be made and memories shared via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.

Charitable donations in Arun’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society via https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html or to the American Diabetes Association via http://www.diabetes.org/donate/

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