Chalermchai Punya
November 1, 1941 — November 27, 2022
Dr. Chalermchai (Chal) Punya, 81, of Bangkok, Thailand and Jacksonville, FL passed away peacefully in his home on November 27, 2022.
Following graduation in 1965 from Siriraj Medical School in Bangkok, Chal moved to the U.S. to complete his residency and internship and begin his medical career. Armed with a brilliant mind and kind-hearted spirit, he was beloved by patients, practicing surgical, emergent, and urgent care medicine in the Jacksonville area for over 50 years, retiring well into his 70s.
It was at St. Vincent's Hospital that he met his devoted wife of 50 years, Sarah Parsons Punya. Together they raised their son Michael, who, along with their grandchildren, were the light of his life. Chal was an avid cook, spoiling his family with traditional Thai dishes and most anything on the grill. He also loved to fish, watch sports & Jeopardy, and spend time in his yard, where he nurtured countless fruit trees and dozens of gorgeous orchids.
Chal was preceded in death by his parents, Chalaw and Chintana Punyaratabandhu and his sweet great grandson, James Treacy. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and son, Michael Punya (Laurie) of Jacksonville; sisters Sumalee, Siwaporn, Nid, and Noi of Bangkok, Thailand. Also surviving are his loving granddaughters, Katherine Treacy (Paul), Alyssa Punya, Isabella Buschini; his precious great granddaughter, Abigail Treacy, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins both here and abroad.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Volunteers in Medicine at �< https://www.vimjax.org/donations >
Following graduation in 1965 from Siriraj Medical School in Bangkok, Chal moved to the U.S. to complete his residency and internship and begin his medical career. Armed with a brilliant mind and kind-hearted spirit, he was beloved by patients, practicing surgical, emergent, and urgent care medicine in the Jacksonville area for over 50 years, retiring well into his 70s.
It was at St. Vincent's Hospital that he met his devoted wife of 50 years, Sarah Parsons Punya. Together they raised their son Michael, who, along with their grandchildren, were the light of his life. Chal was an avid cook, spoiling his family with traditional Thai dishes and most anything on the grill. He also loved to fish, watch sports & Jeopardy, and spend time in his yard, where he nurtured countless fruit trees and dozens of gorgeous orchids.
Chal was preceded in death by his parents, Chalaw and Chintana Punyaratabandhu and his sweet great grandson, James Treacy. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and son, Michael Punya (Laurie) of Jacksonville; sisters Sumalee, Siwaporn, Nid, and Noi of Bangkok, Thailand. Also surviving are his loving granddaughters, Katherine Treacy (Paul), Alyssa Punya, Isabella Buschini; his precious great granddaughter, Abigail Treacy, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins both here and abroad.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Volunteers in Medicine at �< https://www.vimjax.org/donations >
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Chalermchai Punya, please visit our flower store.