Kishan Devulapally

Those who knew him – as “Kishan,” “dad,” “tata,” “uncle,” or “mimilnay” (his wife’s calling to him) – knew that he loved to read. If there was an undertaking he had to embark upon, his instinct was to get a book about it. Even as he faced the fight against cancer near the end of his life, he found armament in reading and knowledge … But back in 1975, with no guidebook, he leapt into a journey with immense self-confidence, an abundance of optimism, and an unshakable belief that he was improving his family’s lot. And over 40-plus years, he has been the central character of this unscripted story.
Kishan Devulapally started his life on May12, 1941, in the small town of Chandupatla, India, the third of four sons to Jagannath and Anantha Lakshmi. Kishan spent the majority of his childhood in Suryapet where he was a regular in the homes of all his relatives and friends. His journey continued to Osmania University in Hyderabad where he studied Civil Engineering.
In 1964, Krishna met and married his Radha. The two moved around the country finally settling back in Hyderabad where their home served as an inn for any family that needed to come to the city. Over the years, they welcomed their own three children – Giridhar, Jagannath, and Bhavana. In February 1975, Kishan left his wife and three children in India and started his American adventure setting off on a fly now, pay later program through TWA with eight dollars in his pocket and no winter coat. Starting as a busboy at Jack in the Box before landing a job as an engineer, he saved enough to bring the rest of his family here. Shortly, thereafter, he bought a house in Glendale Heights and continued pursuing the American dream. Kishan was a stalwart in the early Chicago Telugu community always generous with his time and talents. He was a lover of the arts – frequently published in the Telugu Velugu, acting in theatre productions, and a member of literary circles until his last days.
After a lifetime of hard work, Kishan retired from nearly thirty years at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He did travel to other continents and see the world as retirees do. He attended parties and last year threw a big hurrah to mark 50 years of marriage with his Rani. But mostly in his later days, Kishan played the role of loving and joyful grandfather to Ellora, Rohan, Kailas, Rahul, Raina, and Milan. And when he was not spending time with his family, he was sure to be found in a book – in either the temple of his home or the public library. Still trying to figure out what this life is all about.
Kishan Devulapally lived on his own terms every day that he got to spend on this Earth. He will be deeply missed by all he touched in his 74 years.