Obituary of Shibu Thomas

On November 1st, 2020, Shibu Thomas went home to be with the Lord. He was born on February 6th, 1967 in Mylapra, Kerala. He came with his sister to New York in 1973. He was the eldest of Pastor Thomas Mathai and Elizabeth Thomas’s children. Later, he was husband to Rachel and father to Elizabeth (Liza), Anna, and Caleb. As the eldest, he was a caring friend to Sheba and a protective big brother to Sybil. As a child, he was interested in the way things worked, often taking objects apart to determine how they functioned. In addition, he was a voracious reader and had an incredible memory. His childhood was based on a foundation of Scripture laid by his parents through daily family prayer, study of the Word and public ministry. Shibu received Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and obeyed the Lord in the waters of baptism at the age of thirteen and was filled with the Holy Spirit. He attended Stuyvesant High School and received a B.S in Chemistry from New York University. Later, he earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1994. He went on to become a chief resident in Internal Medicine at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and was an attending physician there for 22 years. Shibu was cherished by his co-workers and staff members, to whom he was not just a physician, but a confidant and mentor. He treated his patients with love and care and had long term relationships with so many whom he held dear to his heart. On June 20th, 1994, Shibu married his beautiful wife, Rachel (Shoba), daughter of Sosa Kurian, and the late Kurian Jacob. He was a warm and loving husband. As a father, he was supportive and always encouraged his children to strive for excellence, leading by example. A thoughtful and generous gift giver, Shibu loved to surprise his family with personal, and well researched gifts. He shared his appreciation for culture, his love for travel and the arts with his wife and children. Shibu honored his parents and selflessly took care of them for his entire life. He worked hard to provide for his family, always making sure to meet their every need. Many will remember Shibu as a remarkably bright, well-read, and intellectual man. He enjoyed exploring new places, trying new foods, taking pictures, and listening to music. He loved the NY Giants and was a long-suffering NY Mets fan. While Shibu was quiet in nature, when he spoke, every word was poignant and meaningful. Shibu was an authentic person, who was well versed in a variety of topics and could engage young and old in deep and meaningful conversations. His witty sense of humor drew many young people toward him, and he used those opportunities to intentionally pour into their lives. Shibu attended Elim Full Gospel Assembly and ministered there faithfully. He was an eager student of God’s Word, knowing that it has the power to change people’s lives. Having experienced it himself, he loved to talk about God’s love and found genuine and comprehensible ways to convey the word of God. He was thorough and deeply intentional in his exegesis of the scripture. Shibu modeled his father and mother’s passion for discipleship and building community. He also looked up to his uncle, Pastor Mathew Samuel, who was a renowned Bible scholar and greatly influenced Shibu. He spent hours studying the Bible and shared that knowledge with others. He deeply empathized with those who were hurt or suffering and carried those burdens to the Lord. Shibu led in various capacities and never turned down an opportunity to serve. He was often known to be the first to arrive at church and the last to leave. Humble in nature, he was quick to perform overlooked, but necessary tasks. Many people were ministered to by his leadership as a Sunday School and Youth Director, Bible Study Leader, and Worship Coordinator. He mentored and discipled the youth and many sought his counsel. Shibu is survived by his wife, Rachel and three children, Liza, Anna and Caleb, his parents Thomas Mathai and Elizabeth Thomas, sisters, Dr. Sheba Poulose and Sybil George and their families. Shibu leaves a legacy of selfless love that points many toward his Savior, Jesus. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.