Pandit Goba Patil
Dr. Pandit Goba Patil died at the age of 74 on January 16, 2018 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Sudha; his children, Susheel (Jaya) and Prema (Rajesh), and his four grandchildren.
Pandit was born in Kadgaon, India to Goba and Narmadabai Patil. Pandit came to the United States for his education after his mother paid his way with her wedding jewelry and a National Science Foundation scholarship to New Mexico State University. He completed a Master’s at Carnegie Mellon University and PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.
Pandit had a fruitful career initially working for PPG (11 patents) and was part of a team that developed the soundproof glass used at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. After working in the private sector, Pandit worked for the federal government at the Department of Energy. There, he rose through the ranks and eventually was selected to serve as part of the Senior Executive Service. Pandit participated in numerous projects related to sustainable energy strategies for the United States including the development of solar energy and fuel cell technology, under the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton Administrations. Pandit retired from the US government in 2001 and did private consulting for several clients, including Argonne National Laboratories.
An avid wine connoisseur, Pandit and his wife Sudha, in 1999 purchased property in Amissville, VA and started Narmada Vineyard, named after his mother. In 2009, Narmada Winery was started and has grown to be a well-recognized business that has won national awards for their wines.
Whether it was at home with family or friends or guests at the winery, above all, Pandit was always kind, fun-loving and generous. He helped many of the family members get established in the US and build successful careers. He also helped friends during their tough and difficult times. He loved nothing more than hosting friends and visitors over a glass of wine, and sharing stories. He had a knack for delivering good jokes and made many lifelong and enduring friendships. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Pandit’s memory to Stand Up to Cancer.