Dr. Devchand V. Patel, 81, of Oviedo, Florida passed away at his home on Friday, May 26, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral and cremation services will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL on Thursday, June 1st, 2017 at 10 AM. A Memorial Service to celebrate Dr. Patel will be held thereafter at the Maitland Civic Center, 641 Maitland Ave. South, Maitland, FL.

Memorials in honor of Dr. Patel may be made to the Kessler Foundation ( http://give.kesslerfoundation.org/donate ) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_icid=wtg-lz-donatenow ). Those wishing to sign Dr. Patel's online guestbook and leave any memorable pictures may do so at www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com .

Dr. Patel was born in Kikuyu, Kenya and was the son of the late Virchandbhai and Gangaben Patel. He was the eldest of 9 children (7 brothers and 2 sisters). He contracted polio at the age of 3 which primarily affected his lower extremities. He actively sought to maintain his mobility even when wheelchair bound and was an insatiable explorer throughout his life.

Dr. Patel was educated in Kenya and India completing his undergraduate studies in Mumbai, India and achieving his Medical Doctorate in Ahmedabad, India. He practiced family medicine in Kenya providing all facets of medical services including treating mild illnesses, obstetric care, surgical care and even autopsies. Dr. Patel migrated with his family to the United States in 1974 and completed his internship and residency to become a Board Certified Radiologist in Morristown, NJ. In 1978, Dr. Patel joined the United States Navy and began his service at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. He completed 11 years of faithful service in active duty and in the Navy Reserves before he was Honorably Discharged as a Lieutenant Commander. He continued to practice as a Radiologist in New Jersey and retired from private practice at the age of 78.

Dr. Patel had a voracious curiosity, was always eager to explore and to understand how things worked (especially mechanical processes). He was a kind man who rarely raised his voice, committed to his beliefs and was selfless in taking care of those he loved as well as those less fortunate. He also was a frugal man, highly disciplined and motivated to live within his means and take care of his loved ones. Above all else, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, granduncle, great granduncle and friend.

Dr. Patel is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Pravinaben; 3 children, Jagruti, Ketan and Sanjay; and 4 grandchildren, Nikhil, Krishan, Caitlyn and Devan. He is also survived by all his brothers, sisters and their respective children (and grandchildren).

We, all those who love him and have been loved by him, say:
"We have lost a pillar of our family. We were blessed with his presence - giving us so many precious memories and life lessons. He lived his principles through actions in simplicity, generosity, dedication, commitment and perseverance. Words cannot express how much he was loved and how much he will be missed. His spirit lives on through all of us but especially his children and grandchildren."