Suresh Unni, Ph.D, LCSW Oak Park IL Death: With deep sorrow and reverence, we announce the passing of Dr. Suresh Unni, Ph.D., LCSW, a beloved son, husband, father, friend, educator, and mental health advocate, who transitioned peacefully on passing] in Oak Park, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family and community. A man of wisdom, heart, and immense integrity, Dr. Unni leaves behind a powerful legacy of compassion, service, and knowledge.
Born on in Suresh’s life was defined by a profound commitment to understanding the human experience and helping others navigate their own paths with dignity and care. From an early age, he exhibited an empathetic spirit and an insatiable curiosity—qualities that would ultimately guide him toward a career in social work, mental health advocacy, and academia.
Suresh earned his undergraduate degree from [insert university] before pursuing graduate studies in clinical social work. His dedication and brilliance culminated in earning a Ph.D., solidifying his expertise in the psychological and emotional complexities of the human mind. But beyond the degrees and certifications, it was his human touch—his gift for listening, his patient guidance, and his belief in people’s capacity to grow—that defined his work and his legacy.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Dr. Unni helped hundreds of individuals and families confront trauma, heal from emotional pain, and rediscover their sense of purpose. He worked across clinical settings, private practice, and community organizations in the Chicago area, always centering dignity and cultural sensitivity in his therapeutic approach. His clients, many of whom faced enormous personal challenges, found in him a safe harbor—an advocate who saw their worth even when they could not.
Dr. Unni was also a respected educator, mentor, and researcher. As a professor and lecturer at institutions such as [insert university or college], he shaped the minds and hearts of countless students pursuing careers in social work and mental health services. He was known for his thoughtful lectures, challenging discussions, and unwavering support for his students. Colleagues and students alike were drawn to his calm presence, his intellectual rigor, and his passion for social justice.
But Suresh was more than his professional accomplishments—he was a devoted family man and a deeply loyal friend. He was a loving husband toa dedicated father to [insert children’s names], and a constant source of love, stability, and laughter at home. He approached family life with the same care he brought to his practice: with listening, gentleness, and a belief in showing up every single day.
Those who knew Dr. Unni best will remember his kindness and humility. He was a quiet but powerful force for good—someone who did not seek accolades but earned them through consistent, thoughtful action. He had a deep love for literature, music, and global cultures. He enjoyed walks through nature, thoughtful conversations over tea, and sharing stories that connected people across divides. His wisdom was steady, his humor warm, and his presence calming.
As a South Asian professional in the field of mental health, Dr. Unni was also a trailblazer. He worked tirelessly to destigmatize mental illness within immigrant and minority communities and often served as a cultural bridge—translating complex psychological concepts into accessible, affirming language for families navigating the challenges of bicultural identity, trauma, and intergenerational healing. His voice was trusted, his vision expansive.
He believed that healing was not a destination, but a journey—and he walked that journey beside countless others, never judging, always encouraging. His loss is not just a personal one for his family and loved ones, but a loss for the community, for the profession, and for all who believed in a more empathetic and equitable world.
Dr. Suresh Unni is survived by his beloved wife his extended family acrossand an enormous network of friends, clients, students, and colleagues who were forever changed by his presence. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched directly, but in the ripple effect of healing, understanding, and transformation that he set in motion throughout his career.
A celebration of life and legacy will be held on [insert date] at [insert location], where family, friends, former clients, and community members will gather to honor the extraordinary life of a man who gave so much of himself to others. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [insert organization or cause], in support of the work and values Dr. Unni championed.
Though he is no longer physically with us, the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the example he set will continue to guide us. Let us honor him not only in memory, but in the ways we show up for one another—in empathy, in advocacy, in patience, and in truth.
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Suresh. Words feel inadequate in the face of such a profound loss. Suresh was not only a pillar in the community, but a true embodiment of compassion, intellect, and purpose.
He had a gift for holding space for others—helping people feel seen, safe, and supported in moments when they needed it most. His work changed lives, his teachings inspired future leaders, and his quiet strength created waves of impact far beyond what can be measured.
To know him was to witness humility in its highest form. He offered wisdom without ego, comfort without condition, and presence without pretense. He made people feel they mattered, that their stories deserved to be heard, and that healing was always possible.
While his absence leaves an immense void, I hope you can find some solace in the beautiful legacy he leaves behind—a legacy not just of knowledge, but of love. His was a life well lived, and one that will continue to guide us through memory, mentorship, and the many lives he helped reshape.
May peace surround you in the days ahead. May you feel his spirit in every kind word, in every breakthrough moment of healing, and in every act of compassion that ripples outward from his influence.
