Chandrika Prasad

Dr. Chandrika Prasad passed away at home on February 9, 2026 after courageously facing a long, quiet battle with Parkinson’s disease. He lived a life defined by discipline, courage, and devotion to family and learning.

He was born and raised in the village of Nandanpura, Gaya District, in Bihar, India. His father was the late Behari Prasad and his mother was the late Shyam Kuar. Dr. Prasad was the fourth of seven children raised on his family’s farm. His family produced rice, wheat, vegetables, corn, lentils, and dairy products.

From an early age, he understood the power of education and focused intently on his studies, eventually becoming the first person from his village to pursue higher education. His determination carried him across cities, continents, and decades of study and hard work.

He completed his undergraduate in mechanical engineering at Bihar Institute of Technology, Sindri, Bihar in 1960. For the next six years, he taught Chemistry, Math, English, Theory of Machines, Engineering, and Physics at the Bihar College of Engineering in Patna. There, he also published the textbook Applied Thermodynamics. In the winter of 1966, he moved from Patna to Chicago and studied at Illinois Institute of Technology, later transferring to Tennessee Technological University in Cookville, TN, where he completed a Masters in Mechanical Engineering in 1967. During this time, his wife and three young daughters joined him in Tennessee. The family moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1971.

In a career spanning more than forty years, Dr. Prasad was a published educator, engineer, and environmental specialist working in air quality control for the State of Virginia and later in the private sector. After retiring, he had a second career as a Patent Examiner with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He was also a dedicated member of the American Society of Engineers from India and served as their President. His work paved the way for innovations that would shape the future. Teaching, researching, and problem-solving were not just professions to him; they were lifelong callings.

Perhaps his greatest achievement, however, was the life he built for his family. He came to America alone and worked tirelessly to bring his wife and daughters from India, determined to give them greater opportunity. Together, they made a home in Richmond, Virginia in 1972 before settling in Bowie, Maryland in 1981.

Throughout his life Dr. Prasad found joy in the simple things: reading, music, yoga, and watching Jeopardy. He was an avid gardener, and he grew many Indian vegetables (okra, chana, kadu, karela, nenua, lauki, mirchi) and a variety of flowers. He enjoyed family car trips and meeting friends. He was an active member of his community both in Richmond, VA and Bowie, MD and served as the President of the India Association in Richmond, VA. Ever the engineer, he was always tinkering, fixing things in the home, and making furniture that he and his family still use. He volunteered his time and expertise to Prince George’s County Christmas in April, repairing homes for senior citizens.

He was thoughtful, principled, and deeply generous with his knowledge. His legacy lives not only in his publications and professional accomplishments, but in the generations he lifted through education, perseverance, and love.

Dr. Prasad is survived by his devoted wife, Urmila Prasad; his three daughters, Ruby (Vikram) Kapil, Binny (John) Potter, and Daisy Prasad; his brother Chandra Deo (Urmila) Prasad; and his sister Sumitra (Ragubhir) Chauhan; his nine grandchildren, Brittany (Craig) Cleaver, Shalini, Anjali, Kavitha, Karishma, Meera, Travis, Madison (Chris) Baldwin, Casey; and his three great-grandchildren, Bryn, Cameran, and Hadley.

He came from a small village and left a wide, lasting impact. We will always carry him forward in our curiosity, our resilience, and our gratitude for the life he made possible. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation to help advance Parkinson’s Disease research. Please make a tribute gift at https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help