Dilipkumar Dharkar was born September 3, 1946 to parents Dattatraya and Sulochana Dharkar in Gwalior, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. His eldest brother is Ajay, who lives in Woodridge, IL and his younger sister, Aloparani, lives in Oyster Bay, NY.

Dilip grew up dreaming of becoming a pilot, however, he became a doctor instead. He attended The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda College of Medicine where he received his Doctor of Medicine in 1970. He met Rekha (Anupama) Kulkarni, an established actress, at a convention in 1970. They were both very interested in one another and fell in love. Aside from a few obstacles, they married on November 19, 1971 and Rekha/Anupama continued to finish her movies while Dilip planned their move to America.

Dilip and Rekha/Anupama welcomed Anudeep to their family on April 1973 in the city of Baroda (Vadodra) in the state of Gujrat in India. In 1974 the Dharkars traveled from India to Jamaica and lived in Kingston for a year. Dr. Dharkar acquired his Education Commisssion for Foreign Medical Graduates in 1975, allowing him to practice in the United States. After the family moved to Woodridge, IL they welcomed their daughter, Priya, to the family in March 1976. Dilip's elder brother, Ajay and sister-in law, Anuroopa resided in Woodridge already for several years and assisted Dilip and his family to settle into the U.S. They eventually moved permanently to Naperville, IL.

Dr. Dharkar completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Blood Banking in the 1980's. He joined the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in 1982. Dr. Dharkar was actively involved in the Indian community and the medical community. He was the president of the India Medical Association (IMA) now IAMA, as well as the Federation of India Association (FIA). While president of FIA, Dilip put together an Asian banquet that unified all the Asian organizations within the Chicagoland area. It was the largest and most successful event of its kind and provided a place for all the Asian communities to celebrate culture through food and performance. He was involved in the non-profit organization Care and Share who assisted with several fundraising events for causes like the Gujrat earthquake. He was also actively involved in Maharashtra Mandal.

Dr. Dharkar worked as a Pathologist and in Nuclear Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital. He also worked at Valley West Community Hospital (Sandwich Community Hospital). Most recently, Dr. Dharkar was the Medical Director over the labs at St. Anthony Hospital and Loretto Hospital in Chicago. He was also the medical director of Doctor's General Lab and Modern Lab. Dr. Dharkar dedicated 53 years of his life to his medical service.

Dilipkumar and Rekha/Anupama were married for 50 years and would have celebrated 51 this November. He was devoted to his family and centered all his activity around them. Dilipkumar Dharkar surrounded himself with friends who grew as close as family. He lived a full and happy life embraced by friends and family.

Though his journey has ended, his legacy and the memory of his devotion lives on through his loving wife, Rekha/Anupama; Two children: Anudeep (Anu) and Priya; Three Grandchildren: Anisha, Chirag, and Aadee; Siblings: Ajay (Anuroopa) and Aloparani (Mohan); Nieces and Nephews: Anuja (Landon), Sapna (Mark), Sumeet, Chinar (Tim) and Vishal (Julie); as well as Grand-Nieces and Grand-Nephew: Lina, Shaila, Reya, Jai and Kareena along with many beloved relatives and friends.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. Eulogies will then start at 10:00 a.m. The Puja will begin at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to conclude.

In 2008, Share A Smile Chicago was started as a volunteer only organization to give parents and other seniors an outlet to meet their peers, make friends and bring them out of isolation. With time many more members, SASC adopted Sukhdham, a home for destitute seniors in New Delhi India. Today 12 years later, we are a multi chapter Non profit organization supporting many senior endeavors locally and globally. We also volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program for Seniors.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following on behalf of Dr. Dharkar. Please use the following link if you are going to make an honorary donation:

http://www.shareasmilechicago.org/?section=donate

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.