Share a special memory or message. All submitted responses will appear below.
Dr. Sundaram was one of the kindest people I knew. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing as he truly left a mark on my life. Always caring, generous, full of knowledge in so many areas, and quite witty besides. I so enjoyed working with him, was saddened by his illness and prayed regularly for his well-being and health. Even after he retired from Cleveland Clinic, he graciously maintained communication with me via email and sent me cards over many holidays, cards I have saved. He always managed to surprise me with trinkets and gifts from his many travels. I am grateful for having known him. I can’t fathom your sorrow, but pray the Good Lord of heaven above grants you and your respective families an abundance of peace and calm. Your dad will always have a place in my heart and in my memory.
-Mirian Roman
To my dearest Uncle Murali, how much I miss you and will always miss you. You were (and always will be) my favorite uncle, always there to listen and give advice. Your smile and warm hugs always brightened my day. I cherished every single moment I had with you particularly this past year. Words simply cannot express the huge loss I feel but I am happy you are at peace.
-Renuka Sundaram
Dr. Sundaram was a long time client of our family business, and he became like family to us. He was always graceful and elegant and warm. He was always generous, and caring and a wonderful listener. He shared many thoughts and stories with us over so many years. He shared some wonderful bottles of wine, as well! A very brave and thoughtful man, and he stands out as one of a kind to us. He is a brilliant man, with so much insight and wisdom. We at "Homework" (our business that worked for him) will always love him, and we are confident that his strong spirit is still encouraging us.
— Laura Engler
My peepa was the most kindhearted person I could have had the pleasure of knowing, much less loving. He was admirably curious and beautifully kind. I’ll miss his smile and the feeling of him squeezing my hand. I’ll never forget him applauding after every song I played on the piano, my biggest fan. It’s difficult, at times, to accept that he has passed but I’m positive that his souls flys high and ventures far. He passed with unrivaled wisdom and knowledge. He was a genuine, pure, and gentle grandfather who loved wholeheartedly. I truly miss him from head to toe.
— Lyla Simonelli
My dear Peepa was one of the most remarkable men I have known. I would agree with “gentle” being the best descriptor for him. He was a deeply spiritual person, and one of the things I admire most about him was his obvious ability to revel in the joy of the little things, whether it was having a piece of chocolate or having a chat, things he never shied away from. His life was rich and grand with experience, work, and love, but you knew that he didn’t require any of the grandness to be content and at peace. He was always more concerned with the comfort and happiness of those around him. With etiquette as a part of his lifeblood, he would never start a meal around you without asking “what about you?”. He had a real appreciation for intellectual thinking, witticism, and just about anything you were interested in that you talked to him about. Countless memories shared with him will live forever in my heart. Peepa, though he likely would never have applied the term to himself, was a stoic man. He was always measured, dedicated, kind and tender, and a man of acceptance and contentment with what was. As stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius said “what we do in this life echoes in eternity.” Peepa’s presence will no doubt echo profoundly for the rest my life and those he touched, including those he helped with his medical practicing. I am so thankful for his time here on Earth.
— Coda Max
My heart aches to read this beautiful tribute to my uncle and one of the staunchest supporters of my own very different path. He was truly Good and will be missed every day by those who knew and loved him.
— Usha
In loving memory of not only my father-in-law, but also the closest thing I’ve had to a dad. It seemed like we always went out of our way to stay up to date with each other’s preferred sports, soccer and cricket. But invariably, we could agree on outstanding athletic achievements and always found commonalities across many sports.
I will also miss our conversations about politics, spirituality, or even just mundane events. He never shied away from a good conversation. I am fortunate to have many memories of the times we spent together - beach vacations, walks, swims, and many adventures.
He filled a void in me when I met him, and he will always have a special place in my heart.
— Carlos Reyes
I first met Dr. Murali Sundaram when I was a fellow cross-town at Mallinckrodt in 1994-95 at the Bone Tumor Conference he led at SLU. He warmly welcomed the whole Wash U. team including the fellows. I was in awe of his knowledge, graciousness and kindness. Gentleman and Professor personified. A few years later it was a tremendous honor to become his colleague when he joined us at Cleveland Clinic. In those early months I would proudly introduce him as one of the most respected and best known bone radiologists in the world. He always looked embarrassed but I was simply being truthful. It was such an honor to work with him and more of an honor to be his friend. I never stopped being in awe of his intellect, knowledge, experience and work ethic. One of the most devoted educators I have ever known, I am sure that many of his residents and fellows think of him regularly during the course of their workdays, fondly recalling some pearl he had shared with them.
As important as all those traits were, what was much more important was the kindness he showed everyone he met. I cannot fully express how welcoming he was to my entire family from the first time they met to the last time they saw each other. He had a way with people where you truly knew that his interest in and concern for you were sincere. Murali was truly an intellectual, scholar, physician and wonderful friend and colleague, who is dearly missed.
-Stephen Hatem
Peepa was one of the kindest, gentlest, and smartest people I've ever known. He would always ask me about any of my endeavors, whether they be in sports or academics. He took a genuine interest in hearing about me and would never pass up the chance to have a conversation with me about soccer or basketball. I have countless amazing memories with Peepa. Some of these include him being a goalie in my backyard and blocking shots I took at him, reenacting movies with me, or staying up late and having him answer any question I could think of. He was my only grandpa, and I will miss him dearly. He will always be a part of me, and I will cherish the memories we had together forever.
— Rohan Reyes
Peepa was an intelligent, charming, and caring human being. He was one of the people who were genuinely interested in my life and how I was doing. He would call me whenever he had a dream about me or just thought about me. We both appreciated many of the same things, such as reading and sports. Peepa, being his school's cricket star, understood and appreciated sports just as much as I did, making it a focal point in our conversations. For all my life, I considered Peepa one of the most wise and interesting people I have ever gotten to know. He has given me many memories I will never forget, and I love him very much. I will miss his presence and impact on my life. He has done so much for me, and I will always remember him as a caring, wise, and loving grandpa that supported every one of my aspirations and was always there for me.
— Rahul Reyes Sundaram
I remember playing cricket with Murali in school, on the school team and his distinctive batting style. We last met in California when he was visiting a number of years ago. He was, indeed, a gentleman and a gentle man.
— Dev Mahadevan
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Sundaram´s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at St Louis University as a Medical Transcriptionist. He always had a smile and was willing to assist with a dictation problem or merely to chat. Again my condolences to his family.
— Margaret Wilson
I am saddened to learn of Murali's passing. During my tenure at St. Louis University School of Medicine (1979-81) I thoroughly enjoyed my association with him. I always delighted in our discussions and the love of learning we both shared. We co-authored several published case reports. His skill at diagnostic radiology and the information he provided was essential to me in the pathologic diagnosis of bone neoplasms.
— Scott A. Martin, MD
Murali was a humble man and a true friend. He will be missed by everyone. His accomplishments, kindness and deep spirituality were profound. He inspired me to always seek deeper Spiritual realizations, that I would automatically know when I have found them, but it was equally important to LIVE THEM. Bliss is a constant state of Peace. Undisturbed by Gain or Loss.
- Ed Nemec
Dr. Sundaram left my husband and I with two very unique aspirations: always savor your tea with biscuits in the afternoon and the transcendence of a good father of the bride speech. He certainly raised the bar on this last one for my husband, who will never forget and always quote your speech. For me, it was not only what he said that night, but the way he lovingly looked at Aparna and Carlos. His speech and his gaze will be forever an important part of our memories of that weekend.
I am certain that he will be enjoying biscuits in eternity and every time I have tea or coffee in the afternoon, I will savor the biscuits with him in my thoughts.
-Erika Nadal, Mexico City
Murali Uncle was the kindest, most content & caring person I’ve known. I remember playing cricket with him in Madras in 1990. His love for the game endured and we would often discuss it. He has a special place in my and my family’s heart. When my parents could not attend my elder brother’s graduation, Murali Uncle went. He was there when I launched my first business and showed keen interest in its growth, often offering to help. We discussed Vedanta and I fondly retain the Vedanta booklets he gifted me. I always felt uplifted when I was in his presence. He was a spiritually awake soul, who always put others’ interests before his. A gem of a human being. May God’s blessings always shine on him and his family.