Vijay C. Patel
July 22, 1946 - November 5, 2026
OBITUARY
Vijay C. Patel, a pharmacist who served his patients in Stockton for nearly four decades, passed away on November 5, 2026, at 80. He kept working until the very end.
He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and studied pharmacy in Pune, India, and later at University of the Pacific. He married his wife, Rekha, in 1979, and they made their home first in Orange County and then in Stockton, where they raised two children, Amisha and Sagar.
He owned Medical Arts Pharmacy from 1988 and merged it with Calmont Pharmacy in 2004. He ran Calmont for the rest of his life. He loved being a pharmacist, and he loved his patients, his team, and the medical community. He was part of the first wave of South Asian families who built a home in the San Joaquin Valley's healthcare community, and he was very proud to be part of it.
He had a quick, dry wit and a big heart, and he showed his love more in what he did than in what he said. He loved to barbecue and to fill his home with family and friends. Nothing made him happier than the people he loved gathered around him, including his granddogs, Sunny and Sammy, who held a special place in his heart.
He is survived by his wife, Rekha, to whom he was married for 47 years; his daughter, Amisha Patel of Mountain View; his son, Sagar Patel of Sacramento; his brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed.
A private family service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lodi. The family asks that no flowers be sent.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Patel family.
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