With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Pravinchandra Zala, M.D., age 69.

Born on August 20, 1955, in Khirasara, Gujarat, India, to Parvati and Chagan Zalawadia, he developed an early fascination with medicine, a passion matched only by his determination and discipline.

He pursued his medical education at M.P. Shah Medical College in Jamnagar, Gujarat, where he earned his MBBS and MD, remaining a proud alumnus throughout his life. During that time, he met the love of his life, Hasmita, daughter of Mavji and Nandu Patel. They married on January 22, 1980, and began their life together first in India before settling in the United States to build a future for their growing family.

Dr. Zala completed his neurology residency at the University of South Florida in 1993 and went on to establish his practice in Brandon, Florida. For over 30 years, he served his patients with compassion, integrity, and deep commitment. He served an integral role in the medical community of Brandon, an asset not only for his clinical expertise but also for the warmth and care that defined his practice and his relations with the ones he served. He took the time to truly know his patients and colleagues, building lasting relationships grounded in trust and respect.

In August 2023, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. True to his nature, he remained steadfast in facing the illness with remarkable courage and grace, continuing to inspire those around him until his passing.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Zala was an avid reader, a devoted gardener, a trusted mentor, and an unwavering pillar of strength to his family, friends, and community. He especially cherished peaceful boat rides with his family and long walks around the garden he and Hasmita lovingly created, sharing the surrounding nature with his grandchildren.

He also had a lifelong love of photography, carefully cataloging the many trips he took with family and friends across the globe. From scenic national parks to bustling cities abroad, his photos reflect the joy he found in discovery and connection, and the deep appreciation he held for the beauty of the world around him.

Dr. Zala leaves a lasting and immeasurable impact on the lives of his family. Through his example, he instilled in them the values of hard work, unwavering commitment to family, and a deep love for learning. He taught them to approach the world with curiosity, to find joy in discovery and problem-solving, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. His reverence for nature and respect for all living things continue to guide those he loved most. His presence remains a steady influence, shaping the way his family sees the world and how they move through it, with compassion, humility, and purpose.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Parvati and Chagan. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Hasmita; his son Adi and his wife, Divya; his son Ashish and his fiancée, Kate; and two treasured grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

Along with his relationships and passions, he remained a devoted and faithful servant of the Almighty, striving to find the blessing and meaning in any challenge or setback.

He will be dearly missed.