Obituary of Varghese P. Joseph

Varghese P. Joseph (Pappachan) was born on July 21,1951, in Meenadom, Kottayam. He attended C.M.S. College in Kottayam and later moved to Kozhikode, where he worked for F.C.I. He married Sosakutty Kurian (Leelamma), Thevalakara Vaidyan family, Karipottu, on October 28,1979. He moved to New York in August of 1980. Pappachan worked at Lehman College and was fortunate to retire at an early age as Bursar of the college. As per his desire, he moved his family back to Kerala soon after.  Over the past few years, he travelled between Kerala and New York, enjoying the best of both worlds.

Pappachan was an active member in church from an early age. Whether it be Youth Movement or Sunday School, he always took a keen interest. He served as Sunday School headmaster for several years at St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Church, Rockland. He thoroughly enjoyed working for the Lord by writing and giving sermons at various churches in Trivandrum. Even when he travelled to New York, he continued his passion by teaching bible classes at St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Jackson Heights.

Late last year Pappachan was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He received treatment over the past several months. Surrounded by his extended family, he was called to eternal rest on July 18, 2017.

Pappachan is survived by his wife, Leelamma, son and daughter-in-law, Ajay and Geeno, and daughter, Ashley. He is also survived by his father, Uthup Varghese and sister, Sally John.

We find comfort in knowing he is at home with our Lord.