Obituary of Joseph K. Joseph

Our Papa, Mr. Kaippanchalil Joseph Joseph (Thankachen), came into this world on April 21, 1942 to the Late Mr. Kaippanchalil Ouseph Joseph and the Late Mrs. Rahelamma Joseph. He was the oldest of nine children and the pillar and rock of our family. Our Mummy, Mrs. Aleyamma Joseph (Thankamma), came into this world on November 28, 1941 to the Late Mr. Vellikkara Maliackal Itty Mathai and the Late Mrs. Mariamma Mathew. She was the fifth of seven children. Family meant the world to them and they would do anything and everything for them. Papa graduated as a Civil Engineer and joined the Indian Air Force when he was 17 years old where he served for over ten years and retired as a Sergeant. Mummy studied Nursing and joined All India Institute where she served for four years. Papa and Mummy got married on May 13, 1971 and Mummy migrated to the United States in 1974 and Papa followed soon after in 1975. Papa and Mummy both worked hard all their lives. Papa’s last 25 years was with the New York City Transit Authority where he retired in 2005 as a Maintenance Supervisor. Mummy worked the last 25 years for Coler Memorial Hospital where she retired in 2006 as a Registered Nurse. Papa and Mummy’s hard work was equally matched with their love and fear of God. In addition, Papa also loved and adored Parumala Thirumeni whom he would tearfully intercede to whenever he needed strength and guidance. Papa showed his love and commitment to God through his dedication to the church and his service to the community. He was one of the founding members of St. Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Church, Jackson Heights (Woodside and West Sayville). Papa also loved music and enjoyed composing numerous Christmas carols for church. His passion for that gave him the ability to write the best carols for 25 years. His sport-time hobbies included volleyball and soccer; he was the Captain of the Indian Air Force soccer team. Additonally, he loved to garden and every year he was blessed with an abundance of vegetables that he was proud of. Mummy’s heart was most content in knowing that Papa and her children were happy and had everything they needed, even if it meant running to the store last minute. She was also very happy spending time with her family and knowing that everyone, especially her grandchildren were happy and healthy. She showed her loving nature by bringing family and church friends together in her home, cooking many meals; her home was open to anyone who needed a stay. Anyone who came for a visit would not leave empty handed or on an empty stomach. She would go above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable. Even though she lived the last few years of her life worrying about Papa, her pride and joy were in her children and grandchildren, and she always found happiness being around them. As a husband, Papa loved and cared for Mummy in his own sweet little ways. Mummy always said that Papa carried her in the palm of his hands. He was the backbone for his children and grandchildren, always looking out for their best interests and giving them the best life that he could give. There were times where he would call out for them even in his sleep. Papa always said, “There is nothing God can’t do, and when you get down on your knees and pray, God will hear your prayers.” It would be an understatement to say they were loved and respected by all – all it took was just to know them. Their roles gave them titles of Thankachayan, Acha, Aliya, Papa, Veliypapa, Appacha, Achayan, Thankamama, Edi, Mummy, Veliyamummy, Amamma and Ammachi. With Papa being the eldest, each of his siblings were loved and cared for like they were his own children. Mummy, being one of the youngest, was loved and spoiled by her siblings equally. That love carried over in their everyday lives. They have touched the hearts of so many loved ones near and far, old and young and of many different statures. The impression that they have left on people’s hearts and minds is something that will last with everyone forever. They are survived by their loving children and grandchildren, their adoring brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family members and a community full of friends that will miss them dearly.