Dr. Prabhakar Rao Tipirneni

of Saunderstown, RI, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most. He was 75 years young. To his family, his patients, and his community, he was a steady presence, a gentle soul, and a man whose warmth and generosity left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him.

Born in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India, and later making his home in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, Dr. Tipirneni built a life defined by service, humility, and love. Family was the center of everything he did. He was a devoted husband to Kathy, his partner in both life and adventure; together they shared a deep love of travel, exploration, and the family they built with one another. He loved his children fiercely and spoke of them often, always with light in his eyes and pride in his voice. A proud and loving father and a joyful grandfather, he was a constant source of quiet strength to those around him. He gave without hesitation—his time, his energy, and his heart—always putting the needs of others before his own.

As a solo otolaryngologist, Dr. Tipirneni served patients throughout Rhode Island with extraordinary dedication, compassion, and skill, following in the footsteps of two generations of physicians before him. He practiced medicine not as a profession, but as a calling. He continued to care for patients and perform surgery until the very end of his life, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to healing and to the community he so dearly loved. His legacy continues through his daughters and son-in-law, who carry forward his love and commitment to medicine, service, and excellence.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Tipirneni found joy on the tennis court, where his competitive spirit and love of the game matched the discipline he brought to every part of his life. His infectious laughter and warm smile made every room brighter. To know him was to love him. He leaves behind a legacy of healing, generosity, and love that will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kathy; his daughters Dr. Kiranya Arnold (Dr. Mark Arnold) and Dr. Asha Tipirneni (Michael Sauer); his son Anil Tipirneni (Karina); his beautiful granddaughters, Sydney and Serafina; his sister Dr. Lalitha Rayan and niece Dr. Sonya Rayan; his sisters-in-law Karen Luth (Fred), Ellen Szymanski (Jim), and Gina Nabb; his brothers-in-law Kevin Nabb and Robert Nabb (Judy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Lakshmi-Perumallu Tipirneni and Prabhavathi Tipirneni; his brother-in-law Rick Nabb; and his sister-in-law Gail Nabb.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The family invites all who knew and loved Dr. Tipirneni to share photos and memories by scanning the QR code below so that his life may be remembered and celebrated through the stories and moments he shared with so many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Camp Surefire Foundation:

Camp Surefire Foundation

290 Hope Street

Bristol, RI 02809

https://campsurefire.org/support-us/