Tapan Padhya's Obituary
Tapan Ashvin Padhya was born November 12, 1966, in Eugene, Oregon to Rekha and Ashvin Padhya. Growing up in Clarksville, Indiana, he excelled academically and graduated high school as valedictorian. After undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, Tapan completed medical school, residency and fellowship all close to home in Indiana, Louisville, and Cincinnati.
He joined the University of South Florida in 2000 and quickly established himself as a vital member of the medical community in Tampa. He spent 25 years serving the university, attaining the rank of Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology, and serving as the Chief of Staff of Tampa General Hospital. He touched countless lives as a physician, teacher and friend, including through groundbreaking research in sleep apnea.
Tapan’s academic achievements were second only to the pride and joy he had for his family. After marrying Tracy Lamb in 2005, they welcomed twins Jai Willard and Alak Jess in 2008. He cared for his parents through ill health and felt fortunate that they could share time with the boys in the early years of their life. During his own illness, Tapan encouraged Jai and Alak to prepare for college applications and the excitement of senior year. Watching them excel and grow into upstanding young men brought Tapan comfort even through the last days of his life. In good times and bad, Tapan and Tracy were the best of friends, sharing travel, an active life in Tampa, and a treasured vacation home in Anna Maria Island, Florida, where Tapan dreamed of retiring. Tracy never left Tapan’s side during his illness and was his greatest advocate and cheerleader.
Tapan had a discerning eye for art, passionate interest in current events and incredible wit. He was a devoted son, loving husband and ever-present father. An outsized presence in his home, family, and community, he will be forever missed by those who were fortunate to know him. His contributions to the world around us will be felt for generations to come.
Tapan is survived by his wife Tracy Padhya and sons Jai and Alak Padhya. He was preceded in death by his father Ashvin Padhya and his mother Rekha (Patel) Padhya.
Details for a celebration of life will be provided at a later date, as well as information on memorial and scholarship funds in Tapan’s name.
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