Birth date: Jun 22, 1972 Death date: Jun 7, 2026
Koteswara Rao Chundi was born on June 22, 1972, in Sandepudi, India. He passed away on June 7, 2026, at the age of 53. In 2004, Koteswara moved to Florida with his wife. He spent the majority of his working career at Nielsen alon Read Obituary
Dear Kotesh,
You will be dearly missed—more than words can ever adequately express.
I will always cherish your extraordinary contributions as an engineer and the lasting impact you made on every project you touched. You were a true innovator, constantly thinking of new ideas and better ways to solve problems, always striving to make things better for those around you.
Yet beyond your remarkable professional accomplishments, what I will remember most is the kindness of your heart. You were one of the warmest, most thoughtful souls I have ever known. I remember mentioning in passing that I was struggling with a frozen shoulder. A few days later, completely unprompted, you sent me an entire document carefully compiling the techniques, treatments, and insights that had helped you recover. That simple act spoke volumes about who you were—a person who genuinely cared and always took the time to help others.
It was never just about the work. It was the countless individual moments, gestures, and conversations that revealed the depth of your character and the generosity of your spirit.
We shed real tears of sorrow for the void your passing leaves behind. But we also take comfort in knowing that your love, wisdom, and kindness remain with us. We will always believe that you are watching over Suneeta, Krishna, and Sanjana, a guardian angel whose presence continues to guide and protect those you loved most.
Your legacy lives on in the lives you touched, the people you inspired, and the love you leave behind.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Amudha.
Kotesh and I started our journey in Tampa exactly a week apart. That was 22 years ago as colleagues within the same team at Nielsen. We quickly became friends, hanging out together. Later we became neighbors. Families would hangout together frequently, and our kids grew up together as best friends.
They say it takes a village to raise a family. In my village - Kotesh had a very special place. He was like an elder brother, who would always be there for me. Be it a hangout with friends or a celebration with family - it will never be the same again without him.
Kotesh would be the first person to step forward when someone around needs help - regardless. A selfless, kind, modest and a grounded man. The love & outpour from the communities he made an impact to is a testimony to this.
What I will remember forever about Kotesh is his love for outdoors, and how he wants friends to be part of his adventures. I was fortunate to be part of some of those - Boating to Anclote Key, Off-road biking at the Flatwoods, many camping trips, trips to the beaches (Honeymoon Island was his favorite), picking up black jamuns from this random tree. Thanks to him - I walked so many local parks, that I would never have otherwise. Trails at John Chestnut, Land O Lakes pump station wilderness, some random parks in Pasco / Hernando Counties. I am privileged to have been part of many of his adventures. Sometimes I would not pick up his phone so that I can stay indoors and relax:) Today, I wish I did pick up, so that I have even more memories with this wonderful man, that I will miss dearly 🙏🏼
Dear Kotayya...
On the 7th (07-06-2026), you called me from Florida at 7:06 PM. The fact that it was the 7th day of the 6th month and you called at exactly 7:06 felt so strangely beautiful and deeply moving.
We spoke so cheerfully, laughing, and from the heart. You always used to say that talking to me made you happy. Those conversations have become unforgettable memories that will stay with me forever.
Perhaps that was your last phone call to India, and it was with me. Maybe I was the one who heard your voice... and that bright, cheerful laugh of yours for the final time. By the time dawn broke, I heard the news that you were no longer with us. I simply couldn’t believe it.
Once again, I felt how powerful and cruel fate can be.
కానీ భగవద్గీతలో భగవాన్ శ్రీకృష్ణుడు చెప్పినట్లు:
“జాతస్య హి ధ్రువో మృత్యుర్ధ్రువం జన్మ మృతస్య చ |
తస్మాదపరిహార్యేఽర్థే న త్వం శోచితుమర్హసి ||”
అర్థం: పుట్టిన వానికి మరణం తప్పదు, మరణించిన వానికి పునర్జన్మ తప్పదు. ఈ అనివార్య విషయంలో శోకించవద్దు.
May the soul of our beloved Kotayya attain eternal peace. His good qualities, love, laughter, and kindness will remain forever in our hearts. His memories will continue to inspire us always.
In this time of grief, I sincerely pray that God grants strength, mental courage, and patience to all the members of his family. May everyone receive the power to endure this pain and stand strong.
On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to everyone who stood as a support to the family.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti... 🙏
Bujjibabu
I met Kotesh in Hyderabad 27 years ago, and from that day he became a truly special friend in my life. He was always a happy, positive, and caring person who found joy in helping others whenever he could. Kotesh has a deep love for nature, his surroundings, and the people around him. Whether with coworkers, neighbors, or friends, he always brought kindness, warmth, and a willingness to support others in any situation.
Even after both of us moved to America, our friendship remained strong. We stayed connected, shared ideas, and exchanged thoughts about life, health, and society. Our conversations were meaningful, and his wisdom and positive outlook always left an impact.
Kotesh's kindness, generosity, and beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the memories of his family, and everyone has who connected with him. You will always be remembered my dear friend.
To a fantastic human being, one that I genuinely enjoyed my discussions with throughout our time together. May your spirit carry on providing as great a benefit as you gave me.
Miss you Kotesh.
Kotesh garu is truly one of the most humble and kind-hearted people we ever met. When we lived in Egret’s landing, we’d often see him playing basketball. He was always welcoming, greeted everyone with a warm smile, and was ever ready to help others.
He deeply valued his roots, culture, and relationships, which made him even more special. We will miss him dearly. Our hearts go out to his children and family during this unimaginable loss. Though he is no longer with us, he will always remain in our thoughts, prayers, and memories.
Arjun & Family
I first met Kotesh back in 2008 at Nielsen, where I had the privilege of sitting right across from him for a couple of years. He was such a kind, gentle, and loving person. I will miss his calm presence and his smiling face. May his soul rest in peace. Sending my deepest thoughts and prayers to his family and children—may God grant them the strength to navigate this incredibly difficult time."
To Kotesh — A Friend, Mentor, and Man with the Kindest Heart
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had Kotesh in my life. I first met him in 2008 during my early days at Nielsen. From the very beginning, he was someone who never hesitated to share honest feedback and guidance, always with the best intentions.
When I later moved to Tampa, we found ourselves living in the same community, and our friendship grew even stronger. Kotesh encouraged me to play tennis and take up running—activities I likely would never have pursued without his gentle persistence and encouragement. Through sports, conversations, and countless hours spent together, we shared stories, life lessons, hopes, and challenges.
I fondly remember the many discussions we had about our careers, searching for new opportunities, and navigating life's uncertainties. That was who Kotesh was—always caring, always supportive, and always ready with a smile. He was someone you could turn to for advice, encouragement, or simply a conversation.
His loss leaves a void that can never truly be filled. Yet we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and in a better place.
Sunita, Krishna, and Sanjana—your husband and father was an extraordinary man. He was humble, grounded, kind, and deeply respected by everyone who knew him. His presence touched so many lives, and his legacy will continue through the values he lived by and the countless people he inspired. We know he will always be watching over all of us, guiding us as he always did.
May his memory be a blessing, and may you find strength and comfort in the love and admiration that surrounds him.
Kirti Savarde
