Dr. Kalathil “Dr. K” N.V. Sankaran, 71, of Suffolk, Va., departed from this life on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. He was born in Cochin, India, the son of the late Peethambara Menon and Madhavi Amma.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dr. Nellie M. Sankaran; daughters and sons-in-law, Minna Sankaran Sandwich and Robert H. Sandwich Jr., and Dr. Marie Sankaran Raval and Dr. Tejas Raval; grandson, Roshan Raval; and brother and sister-in-law, K.N. Gopinath and Omana.

He attended the University of Delhi medical school and completed medical training in England and New York City. He settled in Suffolk in 1976, starting his own private practice with his wife, “Dr. Nellie.” Dr. Sankaran was an attending physician in Obici

Hospital, where he once served as the chief of pediatrics. He served the community as a pediatrician for 34 years, retiring in July of 2010.

Dr. Sankaran was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. He was a generous and gentle soul, who loved his patients and treated everyone like family.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at 3 p.m. at St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Wood officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.