Kallubasanna R. Channarasappa

Shri Kallubasanna Rudrappa “K.R.” Channarasappa, 97, passed away peacefully at his home, in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, on Monday September 11, 2023. He is preceded by his beloved wife, Gowramma Channarasappa, who passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Shri K.R. Channarasappa was born on April 6, 1926 in Devanahalli, Karnataka, India. He was the youngest of four siblings. Shri K.R. Channarasappa was a devoted husband to his wife Gowramma, proud father to his four children, Suresh, Satish, Nagendra and Shoba, and loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren, Anirudh, Amogh, Ankita, Amulya, Achal, Amrith, Nandita and Sumita, as well as his in-law children Vishwanath, Mayura, Anupama, Hemalatha and his in-law grandchildren Keerthi and Michael. Shri K.R. Channarasappa graduated with a degree in civil engineering from University College of Engineering in Bengaluru. Following graduation, he worked at the Mysore State Public Works Department as a civil engineer. Later, he returned to his alma mater to teach in the University College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department. In 1964, Shri K.R. Channarasappa came to the United States to complete his graduate studies at Utah State University. He went on to work as a structural bridge design engineer in several cities through the United States, before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he joined Pullman Swindell. While at Pullman Swindell, he worked on designing, rehabbing, and rebuilding bridges and other structures, including rehabilitation projects for some of Pittsburgh’s most iconic bridges. Shri K.R. Channarasappa was a founding trustee of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, located in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. He served as secretary of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Construction committee, and held other critical administrative roles. He was devoted to not only to the temple, but to the temple community. In addition to his participation with the temple, Shri K.R. Channarasappa was an active member of Veerashaiva Samaja of North America (“V.S.N.A.”) and served as the very first Chairman of the Board of Directors of V.S.N.A. Shri K.R. Channarasappa also served as the President of the Theosophical Society in America, Pittsburgh chapter. He was a leader of the Indian community in Pittsburgh for over 50 years. Shri K.R. Channarasappa had a passion for travel, visiting nearly every continent and exploring new cities and cultures. He loved reading and learning, and pursued his intellectual interests throughout his entire life. Shri K.R. Channarasappa was beloved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held from 10:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., 118 Shaw Avenue, Turtle Creek (412-823-1950). Online condolences may be left at www.jobefuneralhome.com. 

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