Dr. Shivakumar B. Hendi

Dr. Shivakumar B. Hendi passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on the morning of December 1, 2025. He was born in India and was the eldest of 6 children. While he was raised in a small village, he dreamt big and made a habit of defying the odds in his life and career. Dr. Hendi earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Karnataka University and, together with his love, Mukta, became the first in his family to immigrate to the United States in 1980.  He went on to build an amazing life from those first couple days with a few dollars in his pocket despite no guarantees of permanent residence.

After living in the American South and New Jersey, Shivakumar settled his family of 5 in Newark, Delaware. There, he solidified an already accomplished career as a research scientist in pigment chemistry, securing many patents to his name. At the pinnacle of his career, he created memorable dual-tone red automobile pigments, including the iconic “Cabernet Red” for Ford and “Chili Pepper Red” for the inaugural Dodge Durango in 1998. Together, Shivakumar and Mukta (also an accomplished research chemist and professor) were trailblazers redefining the American dream.

Shivakumar had broad interests in literature, cinema, music, politics, and agriculture, and was a great conversationalist.  He was a pillar in his community in the US and, through grassroots organization, led the Delaware Hoysala Kannada Sangha, which he helped grow from a few dozen to over 250 members.  His advocacy efforts and skill in mobilizing people had global impact.  As a community-minded teenager, he traveled alone to a town far away to buy, repair, and eventually install a life-sustaining Kirloskar water pump for his hometown village.  In his trademark style, he passed time waiting for the pump repair by watching Bollywood films in the theater. Later in life, Dr. Hendi revived his family’s ancestral farm in India through the help of his expert scientist friends, testing soil and planting sustainable crops.  He also meticulously edited and helped publish his father’s Ph.D. thesis in Kannada literature, an effort that spanned decades.

Above all of his personal and professional accolades, Shivakumar would tell you his proudest achievement was being father to three creative, inquisitive, Ivy-league-educated children. He was also the great love and life-partner to his wife and inspiration, Mukta, to whom he was married for over 40 years. Most recently, he became a grandfather and could not stop smiling at his granddaughter, Mira. In fact, his last word was to young Mira, a simple wave and, “Hi!”

Just as he expertly filled the choicest cards while winning his favorite game, Free Cell, Shivakumar devoted himself to clearing the card decks of life for each of his Four Aces: providing opportunities, motivation and support as only he could. He is now survived by those Four Aces: wife, Dr. Mukta Hendi; daughter, Dr. Aditi Hendi (and husband Rohan Bhadbhade); son, Dr. Arun Hendi (and wife Dr. Jessica Ho, daughter Mira Hendi); son, Abhishek Hendi; and his extended family both in the US and abroad.

Shivakumar’s contributions were immeasurable and the legacy he left will continue to positively impact the world for generations. His bravery and presence will never be forgotten in the Hendi household, who are honored to take part in his next adventure as he becomes spiritual guardian to the family. Shivakumar will forever be deeply loved and missed.