Dr. Janaka A. Hettiarachchi

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dr. Janaka A. Hettiarachchi, FACS D.O. (John), 50, of Cornelius, North Carolina.  In life he gave his whole heart to everything he did.  Unexpectedly he crossed over by heart related issues at home, surrounded by his family.

Born March 20, 1970 in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, he immigrated to America as a teenager with his family.  While at Lehman College he met his beautiful wife, Catharina.  They were married for 30 years and have four amazing children, Alexander, Olivia, Lara, and Robaer.  

Janaka was a dedicated and caring physician in Wilkes and Cornelius.  When not caring for his patients, he was an athlete who loved to bike, swim, and run.  His other passions were traveling, art, and food.

Janaka will forever be remembered by his wife and best friend, Catharina; their precious children, Alexander, Olivia, Lara, and Robaer; his parents, Wimal, Rohini, and stepfather, Wilfredo; his sister, Rashika; his in-laws, Thomas and Cordula; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Kimberly; and by his nephews, Daniel, Dax, and Nicholas.  Janaka will also lovingly be remembered by his numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, dear friends, work family, colleagues, and patients.

Viewing and visitation will be held at the family home, 21207 Senlac Ln., Cornelius, NC 28031 on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm for close friends and family only and from 6:00pm - 8:00pm for all others.  A private Buddhist religious ceremony will be held at 5:00pm in between visitation hours.  A celebratory memorial of Janaka's life will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the family home.  A livestream will be provided on John's Facebook page.  Out of an abundance of caution, those attending in person are kindly asked to wear a mask and follow social distancing protocol.

Those who desire, may make memorial contributions in memory of Janaka to Heartsong (www.heartsong.org) or to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (www.nationalzoo.gov.lk).

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is caring for the Hettiarachchi family.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kepnerfh.com.