Dummi P. Yathiraj, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and physician, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida. He was 87 years old.
Born in the state of Karnataka, India, Dr. Yathiraj was the oldest of ten children. He grew up in a small village and excelled academically from an early age, courageously pursuing higher education far from home. He graduated from Kasturba Medical College at Karnataka University in Manipal, India, in 1961 with an MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). He practiced medicine in India and earned his MD (Doctor of Medicine) in 1969. That same year, he moved to England, where he served as a Senior House Officer until 1971. While in England, he applied to many residency programs in the United States and ultimately chose Cincinnati, Ohio, where he arrived in July 1971. His wife and young son joined him in September of that year.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati in 1973 and a fellowship in Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Cincinnati Hospital in 1975. In 1975, he established his private practice in Fairfield, Ohio. He was the first physician of Indian origin in the Fairfield/Hamilton area, providing guidance and mentorship to many who followed. He served the Butler County community as a respected and beloved physician for 50 years before retiring in March 2025.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Prema; his son, Dr. Sanjay Yathiraj (Sharmila) of Bradenton, Florida; and his daughter, Sapna Yathiraj (Jeff Walker) of Washington, D.C. He was extremely proud of his granddaughters, Salina and Seyona. He also leaves behind siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins in both the United States and India.
Dr. Yathiraj will be remembered as a brilliant physician who cared for multiple generations of families. He was known for spending time with each patient, providing thoughtful attention and the highest quality of care. Even in his free time, he continually studied advances in patient care and treatment.
An avid reader and lifelong learner, he especially enjoyed books and documentaries about history, religion, and philosophy. He was a food and coffee connoisseur who loved watching cooking shows and experimenting in the kitchen. Sometimes he created delicious dishes, though there were a few occasions when his wife or daughter let him know that he missed the mark. He made himself at home in the kitchens of friends’ homes and was always among the first in line to sample the food at parties and gatherings. At his favorite restaurants, he befriended the staff and would often walk into the kitchen to chat with the chef. A passionate and curious world traveler, he enjoyed numerous international trips with his wife and many return visits to his native India.
His wisdom, dedication, and generosity will always be appreciated and greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations:
Parkinson’s Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The family has kindly shared photos on the Tribute Wall for everyone to view in honor of Dummi.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory,43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
