वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय
नवानि गृह्णाति नरोऽपराणि |
तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णा
न्यन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही || 22||

As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one.

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 22

Bharatkumar (BK) Patel, 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023 at Waterman Hospital in Tavares, Florida surrounded by his wife, daughters, and incredible care team.

BK was born December 11, 1950 in Anand, Gujarat, India, son of Bhikhabhai and Lalitaben Patel, brother of Shantaben Patel, Shushilaben Patel, Balkrishna Patel, Harikrishna Patel, Savita Patel, and Vena Patel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Shushilaben Patel, Balkrishna Patel, and Harikrishna Patel.

He is survived by his wife, Mala Patel, three daughters, Unnati Hall and spouse Joseph Hall, Pragati Gusmano and spouse Matthew Gusmano, and Bhumi Patel and partner Em Kane, and four grandchildren, Geetanjali Frederick, Janeesa Hall, Matteo Gusmano, and Serena Gusmano. He is also survived by three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

BK grew up in Anand and emigrated to the US on July 4, 1973. In 1978 he married Mala and in 1988, moved from Jersey City, NJ to Orlando, FL where he raised his family and built a community of friends.

BK was a pillar of support for his family. If you ask anyone who knew him, they will remember his larger than life personality and the way he was always willing to help his friends, neighbors, and loved ones. His greatest and most proud achievement was raising three daughters with Mala. He was a businessman and owned several businesses, including his last adventure as an eBay retailer selling collectibles that he had acquired throughout his life. He developed a love of gardening later in his life and filled his backyard with jasmine and fruit trees.

He was a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, uncle, nephew, and friend. He is dearly missed and will always be remembered for his joyful laugh and his smile, which could light up a room.

A private memorial service for the family will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Visamo Kids Foundation, which provides free education to children across Gujarat ( https://visamokids.org/ ) or The American Kidney Fund to support individuals fighting kidney disease ( https://www.kidneyfund.org/ ).