Haragopal Penugonda

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Haragopal "Hari/Harry" Penugonda on April 26, 2026, at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA.  He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.  His life was marked by compassion, strength, and an unwavering devotion to those he cared for.

Born in 1940 in Rajahmundry, India, Dr. Penugonda graduated from Andhra Medical College, where he met the love of his life, Dwaraki.  He went on to complete his Master's in Surgery at Guntur Medical College. In 1967, he moved to Philadelphia to pursue his medical residency and a urology fellowship at Temple University, followed by a pediatric urology fellowship at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

After completing his training, he moved to Wilkes‑Barre, PA, to be a partner in a private urology practice. He quickly fell in love with the community and dedicated the next forty years to serving it.   Dr. Penugonda was widely respected for his kindness, impeccable work ethic, and deep commitment to patient care.  Over the course of his career, he served as Chief of Urology, Board Member of Wilkes‑Barre General Hospital, and President of the Luzerne County Medical Society.

Beyond medicine, he was an active and beloved member of the community.  He served on the Wilkes‑Barre Interfaith Council, was a founding member of the Indian American Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and supported numerous charities in both the United States and India.

While he devoted countless hours to his patients, his heart always belonged to his family. He was a steady, loving presence — a father figure to many, a mentor, and a source of guidance and comfort.  In his free time, he cherished traveling with his family,  tending to his garden, sharing lunches with friends, and filling his home with the warmth of loved ones.

In July 2025, he and his wife moved to Haverford, PA, to be closer to family — especially his grandson Avik, who was the light of his life. Even when he was weak, Avik always brought him the biggest smiles and the most laughter.

Dr. Penugonda is survived by his loving wife, Dwaraki; his daughter, Sarita, and her husband, Manoj Hanchate; his daughter, Namita, her husband, Dhruva Reddy, and their son, Avik; as well as a large and cherished extended family.

He touched countless lives with his selflessness, warmth, and gentle spirit.  His legacy of love, integrity, and compassion will continue to live on in all who knew him.

Service Information
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
2:00 PM

Service
Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home
701 Derstine Avenue
Lansdale, PA

Celebration of Life to take place in Wilkes-Barre, PA, in the future.

In Lieu of Flowers
Donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Penn Neurology, Pennsylvania Hospital, in his name.

Link: https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MC&fund=602094

The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below:

https://youtube.com/live/QiGEbbz9KyM?feature=share