Ambubhai Patel

Ambubhai Patel, lovingly known to family and friends as “Dada,” passed away peacefully under hospice care on February 7, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on January 28, 1939, he lived a life rooted in hard work, quiet strength, and deep faith in Sanatan Dharma. Surrounded by loved ones in his final days, he left this world with dignity, warmth, and the same gentle presence that defined him throughout his life.

Dada was born in India where he spent his younger years traveling through India,while working in the diamond mining industry before being called back home to fulfill his family responsibilities. He began to settle down, going to college in hopes of being a lawyer but was called to help his father's farming business. Dada took to the farming business and shortly after, began a life with his wife, Niruben, on May 20, 1963. His life with Niruben in Wadhavaniya was filled with lots of hard labor providing for his seven children. Dada worked hard to make sure his children had the opportunities in India he had wished for, putting them through school and making sure he could provide for all of their wishes. On August 20, 1989, Dada had the opportunity to bring his wife and 3 of his younger children to America and start a whole new chapter at the age of 50.

At age 50, not knowing any English or anything about the culture, Dada took every job, every opportunity he could to provide for his family in America. After three years of rebuilding in Atlanta, Dada was able to bring three more of his children and his mom from India. Dada and Niruben, with their children, lived in a small two bedroom apartment and lived a humble life for many years where he continued to provide for his children and eventually marry his daughters and son into good families. Through his childrens' marriages, Dada's greatest dreams came alive with new hopes for his grandchildren. Despite Dada not having the same opportunities he had, he encouraged and supported his grandchildren to achieve accomplishments he never thought possible.

Dada was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose greatest joy was his family. He led by example—through honesty, humility, and responsibility rather than big speeches. His calm guidance, steady support, and simple wisdom became the foundation on which his children and grandchildren built their lives. Dada's biggest goal was to ensure his legacy had the support they needed to be successful. Whether it was a 5 minute phone call, watching soap operas, or sharing a warm glass of milk, time spent with Dada always felt grounding and safe.

He carried his values from his faith into everyday life: respect for elders, compassion for those in need, and gratitude for everything Bhagwan provided. Even as his health declined, he faced each challenge with patience and acceptance, teaching his family how to handle life’s difficulties with grace. Through his last days, he continued to show the power of a strong mind and will and the possibilities it can create. His final journey was marked by love, prayers, and the comforting presence of those he cherished most.

Ambubhai “Dada” Patel is survived by his wife, Niruben Ambubhai Patel; children, Smita and Krishnakant Mistry, Mamta and Kamlesh Jivan, Bindiya and Satish Patel, Paresa Patel, Mayuri and Ashwin Patel, Dimple and Girish Patel, and Mitul and Roshani Patel; and grandchildren, Priti and Nisarg, Any and Saagar, Dhwip, Megha, Vrunda, Jiten, Shalu, Damini, Maneel, Riddhi, Uma, Ayaan, and Parth, who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Funeral and antim sanskar (final rites) will be held on February 9, 2026 at McDonald Family Funeral Home, followed by rituals according to Hindu Sanatan Dharma. The family requests your prayers for his ātmā śānti (peace of his soul) and invites you to remember Dada not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude for the love, guidance, and blessings he gave so generously.

“Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”