Dr. Kanakaiahnavara Shankar

Clifton Park- Dr. Kanakaiahnavara Ramaiahsetty Shankar (known as K.R. or "Doc" to his close friends) passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Shanthi; his daughter Maya Parker and her husband Scott; his son Naren Shankar and his wife Cheri; his daughter Meera Shankar; his son Manoj Shankar; and his granddaughters Serena Parker and Neena Parker.
K.R. Shankar was born in 1930 in the village of Belagur, Karnataka in South India. Being an exceptional student, K.R. attended Mysore Medical College and graduated first in his class. He traveled to the United Kingdom to attend Edinburgh College of Medicine where he became a diplomate Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP). Upon his return to India, he met and married Shanthi Ganapathi and taught at Mysore Medical College.
In 1964 K.R. immigrated to the United States with his family to further his career in cardiology. K.R. arrived in Schenectady, NY in May of 1973 as Chief of Cardiology at Ellis Hospital. He was instrumental in creating a Cardio Catheterization Lab and turning Ellis Hospital into one of the leading cardiology centers in the area, all while teaching at Albany Medical College. As a dedicated physician and gifted diagnostician, he was admired by his patients for his skillful treatment, compassion and bedside manner.
As a founding member of the local Hindu Temple and the Tri-City India Association (TRICIA), K.R. was full of life and always up for any adventure. He enjoyed traveling, reading, sports and photography. His greatest joys in life were being a physician and being with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday July 28th 2015 from 9:00am-10:00am at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie,NY 12205. A service will follow the calling hours at 10:00am.
The family wishes in lieu of flowers, that any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.