Ramesh Rao

Ramesh Rao, a distinguished civil engineer and accomplished computer scientist, passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. Born on December 23, 1935, in Mangalore, India, Mr. Rao led a life marked by professional excellence, unwavering dedication to his family, and a vibrant engagement with a wealth of personal interests.

Mr. Rao began his notable career as a civil engineer with the Indian Railways, where his technical expertise and commitment to infrastructure development contributed to numerous advancements. Pursuing his passion for technology, he later became a self-taught computer scientist, which propelled him into a successful career at Cray Research. His tenure at Cray Research, a leader in high-performance computing, reflected his passion and skill in a rapidly evolving field. He culminated his professional journey with a retirement from Lexis Nexis in Dayton, leaving behind a legacy of impactful work across multiple disciplines.

A man of diverse talents, Mr. Rao was an avid tennis player and a competitive chess enthusiast, pursuits that showcased his strategic thinking and love for challenge. He was also a skilled part-time magician, delighting those around him with moments of wonder and joy. His artistic sensibilities were expressed through his photography and art, capturing life's nuances with a keen eye. Dedicated to maintaining his physical fitness, he enjoyed regular exercise, integrating health and vitality into his daily routine.

Above all, Ramesh was a loving husband and a dear father, roles he embraced with heartfelt devotion. His joyful spirit found a special place in his role as a grandfather, where he cherished time spent with his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nirupama; daughter, Nina Bekal; son-in-law, Prashanth Kumar; and grandchildren Arpan (Olivia) Kumar and Aashiq (Lauren) Kumar, alongside many other family members and dear friends who hold him in their memories.

Ramesh Rao’s life was defined by a seamless blend of professional achievement and personal warmth. His contributions to engineering and computer science, coupled with his rich family life and passionate interests, leave an enduring imprint. He will be remembered with respect, admiration, and profound affection by all who knew him.

Hindu service will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Blvd. A public visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Ramesh to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton.

To share a memory of Mr. Rao or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.