HOLDEN - Rashmi Patwardhan M.D. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at UMass Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester. Dr. Patwardhan was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He completed his medical training in Mumbai, India where he met his wife, Neena. He came to the U.S. in 1976 where he continued his medical training at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He spent 3 years in Nashville from 1978 to 1981 completing his fellowship and teaching at the Vanderbilt University Medical school, before returning to Massachusetts to set up his home in Holden where he lived for 36 years. He worked as a prominent gastroenterologist at St. Vincent Hospital for 25+ years followed by a practice at University of Massachusetts Medical Center for the following 9 years. He was a passionate physician and respected mentor to many. He loved his work. Over his 30+ years in medicine practicing in Worcester, he trained and mentored countless medical students, residents and fellows and was revered by trainees and respected by all in his profession. As a close friend once said, he was “a simple man, with class”- a kind, compassionate, caring, genuine, and giving human being who instilled the same values in his children. He loved spending time with his family, summers at the Cape, Indian classical music, tennis, golf, and most recently playing bridge. He was the kind of man who excelled in every endeavor he chose and left a lasting warm impression with everyone he met. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife, Neena; and 3 children, Vilas Patwardhan, Kiran Varma, and Vivek Patwardhan and their spouses, Michelle Trivedi, Gopal Varma and Dimple Patwardhan; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Dhilan and Aria Patwardhan. Rashmi and Neena would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on the 27th of December. Visiting hours with the family will be held from 8-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 9th, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden, followed by a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in his memory to a charity of your choosing. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit "sign the guest book" on this page.