Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Apr 6: Ronald D’Mello (60), hailing from Kemmanagundi, Karkala in undivided Dakshina Kannada district passed away in Riddi Vinayaka Multi Specialty hospital, Nallasopara here, on Sunday, April 5, due to coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

He was employed in prestigious Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Colaba for the last 40 years as captain. He had celebrated his 60th  birthday on March 24. He was to retire at the end of April in another 26 days. He was suffering from kidney ailment for the last several years and was under dialysis in hospital. But he had gone for dialysis to Riddi Vinayaka hospital last week due to lockdown. As he was found to be infected by coronavirus, he was shifted to isolation ward immediately. However, he died without responding to treatment. The officials conducted his final rites on Sunday night.

He has left behind wife Karkala Attur based Marita D’Mello who serves as director of Model bank, and two sons. Their older son is conducting higher studies in Australia and the younger son was staying with his mother. Marita D’Mello was staying in the hospital to look after her husband. As per directions from local senior officials and medical officers, the two are under quarantine at home.

Ronald was a member of Vasai Konkani Association and was down to earth. He was well known as donor for noble causes and social worker. Model bank executive president Albert W D’Souza, founder president John D’Silva Karkala, board of directors and Vasai Konkani Association office bearers have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased.

According to guidelines, D’Mello was cremated within hours after his death by government authorities. It was more sorrowful for the family members as they were not allowed to see the deceased for the last time following the rules. The Centre has framed guidelines for handling bodies of those who die of coronavirus, as it could spread among those handling the same.