Vitthalbhai “Victor” Sanmukhlal Bhakta

HOLLYWOOD, FL/BOLTON, MA - Vitthalbhai “Victor” Sanmukhlal Bhakta was born in the rural village of Bajipura, Gujarat, India where he spent his childhood surrounded by his parents, four brothers, and countless cousins. At the age of 11, Vitthalbhai immigrated to San Francisco with his family. He came to the United States not knowing any English, but faked it until he made it in the San Francisco public school system. He worked with the family running (and later owning) motels and in 1977, he returned to India with his younger brother to find a wife.

Vitthalbhai met Bhartiben and it was love at first sight - at least for him! He managed to persuade her and they were married after knowing each other for a few days. They have led an incredible life together full of love and would have celebrated 48 years of marriage on May 1st. After the wedding, Vitthalbhai infamously went on the honeymoon- alone. He traveled to Japan, Africa, and the Middle East, while Bhartiben had to remain in India awaiting to finish her studies and visa. They first moved to San Francisco, living in the family home, and later to San Jose where they opened a graphic design and printing business and their daughter Deepti was born. Eventually, Vitthalbhai found a new opportunity in Massachusetts and the family settled in as the owners of the Clinton Motor Inn. Not long after, the family welcomed a son, Roshan in 1984.

Ever the entrepreneur and risk-taker, Vitthalbhai also tried various other enterprises alongside the motel, his adventures ranged from gas station owner (& attendant!) to operating the only ice cream truck in town that also served samosas! The true testament of his tenacity was the decision to purchase the Holiday Inn in Leominster and convert it into an assisted living facility. Manor on the Hill has been a family-owned business since 1997 and continues to be run by Vitthalbhai’s son, Roshan. Vitthalbhai continued to build his businesses, working with Bhartiben and extended family members to explore opportunities and co-own various hotels and assisted livings across the country. Vitthalbhai’s independent thinking, desire to follow his passion combined with the risks he took enabled an amazing life filled with so many deeply meaningful experiences, unique circle of friends and a greater appreciation of the finer things in life.

One of those finer things in Vitthalbhai’s life was music. He sang, played the harmonium, the dholak, and the keyboard. Each time he returned to India, he would make a point to learn more songs and music. He shared his musical talents at many bhajans, garbas, and gatherings. In fact, he even recorded his own album alongside a full orchestra of professional musicians. Whenever music was playing, he could be found tapping his feet, hands, and humming along. Many, many people have enjoyed and found comfort in his singing. We will always think of him and his love for music and how he was able to use it to bring light and love into the lives and hearts of those around him.

Vitthalbhai became an important part of the community, proudly serving with the Rotary Club as well as being a vital member of the India Society of Worcester. His desire to be of service to others showed through his countless hours volunteering at the soup kitchen, and being available to sing at bhajans, garbas or just start antakshari at the drop of a dime. Even though Vitthalbhai spent most of his adult life away from India he always remained deeply connected to his roots and remained spiritual throughout his life. Most notably he organized taking teachers to India on behalf of the Rotary club as well as other charitable causes to improve lives abroad.

In more recent years, Vitthalbhai enjoyed working less and playing more. He went on many travel adventures with his wife and family. In the last year alone, he went to India, Japan, the Dominican Republic, and of course, across the US visiting friends & family. Vitthalbhai and Bhartiben enjoyed splitting their time between Hollywood, FL and Bolton, MA. He may have preferred Florida for the hot weather, but was always glad to be back in Massachusetts spending time with his granddaughters. He also loved to be back in the land of champion sports teams, and was likely to be spotted wearing a Patriots hat and/or sweatshirt any time of the year.

Vitthalbhai’s most cherished role was as husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Bharti Vitthal Bhakta, daughter Deepti Vitthal Bhakta-Johns, son Roshan Vitthal Bhakta, their spouses Gregory David Johns, Tessa Stratton Lundquist, and his four granddaughters, Lali Diane Bhakta-Johns, Neeva Rosaline Bhakta-Johns, Shyla Phoenix Bhakta-Johns, and Aaxa Kristen Bhakta. There is no question that Vitthal’s greatest joy was his family. He and Bhartiben were not simply husband and wife, they were truly partners in life, working together in business and in raising their family. Vitthalbhai was most proud of Deepti and Roshan and never wavered in his support of them. “Dada” will be greatly missed by his beloved granddaughters. He would be smiling constantly when spending time with them. He had an indescribable bond with each one of them and gave them a lifetime’s worth of love. We are incredibly grateful for the time his granddaughters got to spend with him, and know that his spirit remains alive in them.

Vitthalbhai was preceded in death by his brother Thakorbhai Sanmukhbhai Bhakta. He is also survived by his brothers, Bhartbhai & Urmilaben Bhakta (San Francisco, Ca), Jagdishbhai & Pushpaben Bhakta (Madera, Ca), and Arvinbhai & Padmaben Bhakta (Sunnyvale, Ca), and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were family.

While words like genuine, kind and steadfast are often heard, they describe Vitthalbhai perfectly. He was loved and respected by many, many people all across the globe. Vitthalbhai’s family, friends, and community will love and remember him forever, will carry his spirit, and will move forward with the quiet strength and sense of humor that he always exuded.

In lieu of gifts, the family suggests considering a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, one of Vitthalbhai's favorite charities in his memory.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.