Dr. Atul Vahil s death was attributed to COVID-19, according to his son Neel Vahil.
Vahil, a native of India, made a big impression on Puebloans for his generous, attentive care and ability to share a light-hearted love of jokes.
Vahil founded Digestive Diseases Specialists of Colorado in 2001 and opened the Pueblo Endoscopy Suites Pueblo’s only local independent, outpatient endoscopy center, in 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Lilly, and sons, Neel and Nalin.
The family did not want to talk about the circumstances of his death.
“I called my dad ‘Pop,’ he was my hero,” Neel said. “He taught me about values like duty, service, generosity and how even the worst jokes can wash away the harshest parts of life.”
Pueblo loses two leading community members to COVID-19
(Left) Dr. Atul Vahil, Digestive Diseases Specialists of Colorado (Right) Rita J. Martinez
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) Two prominent community leaders in Pueblo lost their lives to COVID-19. On Thursday, Dr. Atul Vahil and Rita Martinez passed away after contracting the virus.
Pueblo Mayor Gradisar expressed his condolences regarding their deaths. Yesterday, we lost Dr. Atul Vahil and Rita J. Martinez, two citizens who made their mark on Pueblo in different ways. Rita J. Martinez was a relentless fighter for social justice and equity in Pueblo. Dr. Vahil had a successful medical practice and while I can’t say I enjoyed the procedures he performed on me, I always enjoyed his sense of humor and our interactions. COVID-19 took both Puebloans too early and we will miss them. We grieve with their families for their loss and with all of the families who have lost loved ones to this pandemic. said Gradisar.