Emmanuel Varkey Thadathil's Obituary
Emmanuel Varkey Thadathil, also known as “Kunju”, was born on February 4th, 1944 and raised in Mannackanad, Kerala, India. After completing his education, Kunju joined the Indian Army, working in Delhi and Lucknow. He married Reethamma Emmanuel on April 7th, 1975 and immigrated to the United States in 1977. They lived in Baltimore, MD before settling down in New York where they lived for nearly 40 years. Kunju was an active member of St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and contributed to the establishment of the church in Long Island, NY. He was a beloved friend to many in the community. He worked for the Metropolitan Transit Authority as a Bus Operator for 25 years. After his retirement, Kunju lived out his golden years with his loving wife Reethamma, whom he has been married to for nearly 50 years. They moved to Missouri City, TX in 2019 to be closer to their grandchildren and joined St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Houston.
Kunju is known for his welcoming smile, sense of humor and generous heart. He was a faithful husband, dedicated father, loving grandfather and caring uncle, brother and friend to many. He helped those who were in need and made sacrifices in pursuit of a better life for his wife, children, and loved ones in India.
Kunju was the first of five children born to the late Mani and Aliyamma Varghese. He entered eternal rest on January 5th at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife Reethamma, children Jaison and Christina Emmanuel, Julie and Thomas Jacob Karampil, his six grandchildren: Alyssa, Joshua, Jessa, Jonathan, Elijah, and Gemma. In addition, he is survived by his sisters in Houston- Penamma Joseph (spouse- Mathew Pathiyil Joseph), Lovely Parambil (spouse - Anto Parambil), his brother in Kerala, India - Joseph Thadathil Varghese (spouse - Annamma Joseph), and his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Sebastian Thadathil Varghese.
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