In Loving Memory of Ankit Patel

October 5, 1971 – October 16, 2026

Ankit Patel was a beloved husband, father, brother, pharmacist, and friend whose life was defined by perseverance, service to others, and an unwavering love for all.

Born on October 5, 1971, in Unjha, Gujarat, Ankit was a spirited, mischievous child who was far more interested in getting into trouble than going to school. But with the encouragement of a special teacher Mr. Panama, he discovered a love of learning that led him to the sciences. His siblings Vimal, Rashmi, and Swati kept him out of trouble and with their encouragement, the boy who once resisted school grew into a dedicated pharmacist whose career would span countries and communities.

Ankit graduated from L.M. College of Pharmacy in India. While in pharmacy school, he met and married Jayshri Patel, the love of his life and his lifelong dance partner. He began his career in pharmaceutical manufacturing in India before moving to Malawi, where he helped bring life-saving medications to underserved communities. His journey eventually took the family through Toronto, Canada, before they settled in Greenville, South Carolina, where they built their home together.

Throughout his career, Ankit grew from a retail pharmacist to a pharmacy manager and ultimately a pharmacy compliance manager at ReGenesis, where he spent his last decade of work. He especially enjoyed counseling patients, administering immunizations, and providing medication therapy management. For Ankit, pharmacy was more than a profession; it was an opportunity to educate, care for, and make a difference in people's lives.

His greatest pride, however, was his family. He and Jayshri raised two children, Dimpi and Preet Patel. Dimpi is a pulmonary and critical care fellow at Duke University, and Preet is a software engineer at IBM. Ankit's journey was a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and hard work, and he took pride in the lives his children were building.

Outside of work, Ankit loved traveling, singing karaoke, dancing Garba, and kite flying during Uttaran. He cherished the experiences, traditions, and simple pleasures that brought his family together and made life memorable.

From a mischievous boy in Gujarat to a devoted husband, proud father, and pharmacist who served communities across the world, Ankit built a life that touched many. He will be remembered for his determination, his dedication to helping others, his love for Jayshri, and the lasting impact he made on Dimpi and Preet and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Though he is no longer physically with us, his story, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy of love, perseverance, and service live on for generations to come.