Suresh Unni, Ph.D., LCSW Obituary, Oak Park IL Death: Suresh Unni, Ph.D., LCSW, a deeply respected therapist, beloved husband, dedicated father, and cherished friend, passed away at the age of 51. Suresh’s unexpected departure has left a profound void in our hearts, a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.
Suresh was born to Ramakrishnan and Sarala Unni, where he grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. He attended Andrean High School, where he first began to gather the wonderful friends who would be a constant presence in his life. His passion for understanding human behavior led him to earn his BA, and both an MA and a PhD in social work from the esteemed Loyola University. His unwavering commitment to the field of social work, coupled with his extensive knowledge and compassionate approach, enabled him to touch the lives of countless individuals. Suresh dedicated his professional life to helping others heal and grow, and he was a beacon of hope for many who entered his office seeking guidance and support.
As a therapist and professor, Suresh exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his clients and students on a profound level. He possessed an extraordinary gift for listening and validating the experiences of others. Many of his clients have shared how his insight, empathy, and gentle humor helped them navigate through their difficulties. His dedication to his craft was instrumental in fostering a therapeutic environment that encouraged honesty and healing, empowering individuals to overcome their struggles.
Outside of his professional life, Suresh cherished spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Angela, and a nurturing father to their cherished daughter, Amaya. Suresh deeply loved his family and would often express pride in their accomplishments and joys. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, dad jokes, and the warmth of his infectious spirit. The memories created during these moments will remain an everlasting tribute to his love and commitment.
Suresh’s interests were as diverse as his talents. He had a deep love for Chicago sports, especially the Bears, which often led to spirited debates and enthusiastic cheers on game days. His excitement for sports was matched only by his fascination with Shark Week, which he relished watching with unwavering enthusiasm. He was an avid UFC fan who enjoyed discussions about fighters and their strategies. Suresh was also a musician at heart; playing guitar was a beloved pastime that brought him joy and contentment. Music was a universal language for Suresh, and he shared this passion with those closest to him, often inviting family and friends to join him in impromptu jam sessions.
His playful nature and sense of humor resonated with everyone he encountered. Suresh had a knack for delivering dad jokes that elicited groans and laughter in equal measure. With every joke, he had the ability to lighten the mood, reminding everyone that humor holds a special place in the fabric of our lives. His warmth and charm were simply magnetic, drawing friends and family closer, where they felt safe and cherished.
In addition to his work as a therapist and his vibrant interests, Suresh was fascinated by Chinese medicine, diligently studying and even earning certification in the field. His curiosity about holistic health and wellness reflected his desire to further understand the diverse dimensions of healing. He often expressed a belief in integrating various approaches to health, illustrating the depth of his commitment to the well-being of others.
Suresh’s life was deeply impacted by the loss of his younger brother Santosh Unni, whose memory always remained close to his heart. The bond between the two brothers was a testament to the deep love and support that defined their relationship. Although Santosh is no longer with us, Suresh carried his memory forward, honoring the love and lessons learned through their connection.
Suresh is survived by his loving wife, Angela, who was his partner in every sense of the word, and their light, daughter, Amaya, who was his pride and joy. He is also remembered fondly by his parents, Ramakrishnan and Sarala Unni, and his brother, Ramesh Unni (Sajil), along with his cherished nephew, Dheven Unni, and nieces, Asha and Sahana Unni. The Unni family, and the many cousins, in-laws, friends, and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing Suresh, will forever miss man who brought joy to their lives.
As we remember Suresh, we invite those who knew and loved him to gather in celebration of his life. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 p.m. During the service, we will share stories, laughter, and tears, honoring the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to serving others and created a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to be made in Suresh Unni’s name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.org) to reflect his commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy. This gesture not only serves to honor Suresh’s memory, but also enables us to continue his mission of supporting those in need.
