Dr. Christanand Chellappa passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the age of eighty. He was born September 10, 1941, in India, to the late Ebenezer Sunderaj Chellappa and Mercy Sonabai Schaffter. Christanand honorably served his country in the US Navy as a physician, retiring after 20 years of service in Charleston, SC with the rank of Commander. He dedicated his career to caring for the children of this nation’s service men and women. His military awards include two meritorious service medals presented to him by the President of the United States and numerous commendations for excellence in teaching and training at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Chellappa was an accomplished musician. He was a master of Indian classical music, in which he trained for many years. He also sang, composed and lyricized countless compositions, many of which are now iconic and beloved pieces sung around the world. He also studied Western music - "Expressions of Joy", an instrumental composed and conducted by Dr. Chellappa, was performed at the 2005 World Bank Cultural Celebration.

His most cherished instrument was the piano accordion. He was a true virtuoso!

His love of, and contributions to music will live on for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Vasanthy Chellappa; sons, Sangeeth Chellappa and Pavan Chellappa; brother, Yesu Mithran Chellappa; sisters, Grace Sathyavathy C. Shashikant, Esther Punithavathy C. Hamir.

A funeral service to celebrate his Christian life will be held 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Landmark Freewill Baptist Church, 9011 Chapel Hill Road, Cary. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington St., Raleigh with full military honors.

The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 11:00 to 12:45 pm at the church. 

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