Shyam Narayan Agrawal, MD, of Hopewell Junction New York, died peacefully in his home on the morning of November 25th 2015.

He was born in Allahabad, India on July 5, 1935 to his father, the late Mahadev Prasad and his mother, the late Rajeshwari Devi.

In 1958, Shyam received his medical degree from King George Medical College in Lucknow, India where he also met his future wife Prema Jain. Shortly after graduation, Shyam and Prema married in Allahabad and relocated to the United States.

He started his career in Lynn, Massachusetts interning at Lynn Memorial Hospital. After the birth of his two sons, he relocated his family to Montreal, Canada and joined the general surgery program at Royal Victoria Hospital of McGill University where he became Chief Resident.

Shyam was certified by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, FRCS, and was named a fellow of The American College of Surgeons, FACS.

In the mid '60s, Shyam moved his family back to the U.S., making Poughkeepsie their permanent home where both he and Prema practiced medicine for more than 40 years and raised their two boys. Dr. Shyam, who specialized in General and Thoracic surgery, co-founded The Surgical Group of Poughkeepsie with several other physician partners.

As a surgeon, Shyam was a highly skilled clinician for whom patient care was always his number one priority. He treated thousands of patients over his long career. He and Prema gave back to the community generously donating to the local Hindu Samaj Temple.

Shyam was known among his family, friends and colleagues for his confidence, intelligence, generosity, and his tireless sense of humor. He had a sharp, witty mind ever ready for playful banter or an astute conversation about politics or current events.

For the last several years, Shyam was homebound suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. His family is thankful for the loving care and comfort provided to him by his many caregivers, especially Frank, who provided loving and compassionate care to Shyam for many years, allowing him to remain home and be cared for with dignity. In addition, we would like to thank Hospice of Dutchess County for providing support and care during this difficult year.

Shyam is survived by his wife Prema, their two sons Jim and Andy and their wives, Debbie and Kate, respectively. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Nicholas, Benjamin, Alec, Christy and Amanda and by Prema's brother, Krishan Jain his wife Sudha, and their four children and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the local Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in his memory.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, December 19, 2015 from 1-3 PM followed by a memorial service at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.