Dr. Harihara "Hari" Mahadeva Mehendale

On Thursday, October 13, Harihara Mahadeva Mehendale, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at age 80. The first in his family to attend college, Hari received his PhD in Toxicology from N.C. State University and achieved international recognition in his field.

Hari grew up on remote farm in India, one of seven children. A formative moment for Hari was leaving home at the age of 6 in order to pursue an education his father knew he would never receive at home. Hari never stopped learning after that moment. He spent the next nearly 55 years working on research that has truly impacted the world. Always ready for a challenge and driven to be resourceful, Hari developed pioneering research at the edges of traditional research.

The importance of education, mentoring, and teaching was always at the forefront of Hari's mind. If you were to ask, Hari is most proud of his hundreds of graduate students who continue to impact the world in their own right.

Hari was best known for the big, infectious "Mehendale Smile," his fierce determination, and generous spirit. Always one for a party, Hari enjoyed being with and around others. At the same time, he was happiest in a farm holding a sun-warmed tomato from his own garden.

Hari is proud of and survived by his wife of 56 years, Rekha, his daughter Roopa Foley (Tom), his son Neelesh Mehendale (Kim), and his four beautiful grandchildren Deven and Sona Foley and Leena and Raja Mehendale.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 18th from 10 - 10.30am followed by a memorial service from 10.30am - noon at the Hughes Family Tribute Center at 9700 Webb Chapel Road in Dallas, TX.  A celebration of Hari's life will take place immediately following the service at Ventana by Buckner at 8301 North Central Expressway. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a to-be-formed scholarship.  Hari's students and family will be setting up a scholarship with the Society of Toxicology (SOT) in honor of Hari’s experiences.  The scholarship will provide financial assistance to newly enrolled international students adjusting to life in the United States.  If you would like to make a donation/pledge toward this scholarship, please email Vivek Dadhania (vivekadadhani@gmail.com) and/or Roopa Foley (rfoley@alum.mit.edu) and they will share a direct link for donations when the scholarship has been set up.