In Memoriam: Dey, Bhabani Prasad
(1936-2024)
Bhabani Prasad Dey, a long-time member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), died peacefully in his home on Nov. 12, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Dey was born in Daltonganj, now called Medininagar, when it was part of the Indian state of Bihar. He left India in 1969 for the U.K., and in 1972, moved to the U.S.. He brought his beloved wife Archana to the U.S. soon thereafter.
Dey had a powerful belief in the importance of education. He earned a B.S. from Bihar University, India; a DVM from Bihar University; associates degrees in management, meat microbiology and industrial microbiology, in the U.K.; a M.S. in microbiology from the University of Missouri; a MPH from the University of Missouri; and a Ph.D. in food science from the University of Missouri. He spent most of his career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he worked in various roles.
Dey thrived on human connection. He had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went and to maintain those relationships. His extensive travels gained him scores of friends all over the world. Travel also unlocked his love of writing; he wrote 2 self-published books about his journeys and had nearly completed a third.
As a young man, he played soccer and tennis, and he continued to follow these sports throughout his life. He enjoyed sharing updates on major tournaments with his daughter. Most recently, they traded soccer updates via text during the summer Olympics.
In retirement, Dey rediscovered his love of creating art. He took classes at the local senior center and excelled at painting and block printing, where his designs were especially intricate. He loved music, as well, and would comment enthusiastically on American pop to Indian classical.
Dey was preceded in death by his wife Archana. He is survived by his son Indraneel and his daughter Anita, along with her husband Christopher and their 2 children, Annapurna and Niloy. He also leaves a community of family, found family and friends around the world whose lives were enriched by his presence.
Obituary written and submitted by
Anita Dey, daughter of Dr. Bhabani Prasad Dey
Dey was born in Daltonganj, now called Medininagar, when it was part of the Indian state of Bihar. He left India in 1969 for the U.K., and in 1972, moved to the U.S.. He brought his beloved wife Archana to the U.S. soon thereafter.
Dey had a powerful belief in the importance of education. He earned a B.S. from Bihar University, India; a DVM from Bihar University; associates degrees in management, meat microbiology and industrial microbiology, in the U.K.; a M.S. in microbiology from the University of Missouri; a MPH from the University of Missouri; and a Ph.D. in food science from the University of Missouri. He spent most of his career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he worked in various roles.
Dey thrived on human connection. He had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went and to maintain those relationships. His extensive travels gained him scores of friends all over the world. Travel also unlocked his love of writing; he wrote 2 self-published books about his journeys and had nearly completed a third.
As a young man, he played soccer and tennis, and he continued to follow these sports throughout his life. He enjoyed sharing updates on major tournaments with his daughter. Most recently, they traded soccer updates via text during the summer Olympics.
In retirement, Dey rediscovered his love of creating art. He took classes at the local senior center and excelled at painting and block printing, where his designs were especially intricate. He loved music, as well, and would comment enthusiastically on American pop to Indian classical.
Dey was preceded in death by his wife Archana. He is survived by his son Indraneel and his daughter Anita, along with her husband Christopher and their 2 children, Annapurna and Niloy. He also leaves a community of family, found family and friends around the world whose lives were enriched by his presence.
Obituary written and submitted by
Anita Dey, daughter of Dr. Bhabani Prasad Dey