Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Obituary
Rakesh Sharma was a deeply loved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and valued member of the community. Born on 29 July 1971, he lived at the family home on Chingaira St, Rusape, Zimbabwe. He sadly passed away on 26 December 2025 in Ahmedabad, India, at the age of 54.
Rakesh was a devoted husband to his wife, Sheetal (Jyotsnaben), and a proud, loving father to their two children, Jaivika and Hiren. He will be fondly remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, and for the warmth, generosity, and sense of humour he shared with friends and the wider community. His kind nature and easygoing spirit brought light to every room he entered. Rakesh’s memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Rakesh was a strong and healthy man who was diagnosed with diabetes in his mid-40s, which over time affected his kidneys. In late 2024, as his kidney function declined, doctors in India advised a kidney transplant. His wife, Sheetal, was a match, and the transplant was successfully carried out in April, giving Rakesh a renewed lease on life.
After recovery, both Rakesh and Sheetal were doing well and returned home in August. However, during a follow-up visit to India in late October, Rakesh developed complications, including BK polyomavirus and pneumonia, which led to further health challenges.
BK polyomavirus is a common virus that usually lies dormant but can reactivate when the immune system is weakened, such as after an organ transplant. In Rakesh's case, it reactivated and damaged the transplanted organ. Raising awareness is important so it can be detected early and managed before causing irreversible harm.
Rakesh had a heart of gold and an infectious, charismatic energy. He was incredibly proud to be Zimbabwean and was deeply determined to recover, often talking about the day he’d return home. In the final weeks, though, he fought battles that no one could see, yet he still maintained his sense of humor. He would laugh and joke with the nurses, even singing to them in Shona. During our video calls, he’d always smile and give a thumbs up.
Rakesh was an incredibly strong man, teaching us all the importance of never giving up and fighting until the very end. He was surrounded by immense love and support from his family right up until he passed. His memory will live on forever.
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Side by side or miles apart, siblings will always be connected by heart.
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A bond unbroken by time, a presence missed in every way. You may not physically be by our side, but you are always in our heart. Farewell for now - till our paths meet again Rakesh 🙏🏼🕉️ 💙
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