Raju Thobias' Obituary
It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our beloved father Raju Thobias who left us on December 28th, 2024 at the age of 65. He is survived by his wife Reena and children Renji and Rinu. He also leaves behind his children-in-law Erin, Austen, and granddaughter Reagan.
He was born in Kerala, India, on May 30th, 1959. His childhood in India was lively and filled with the raucous energy of 11 siblings. Raju was beloved by his mother and a favorite of his father even though he was often a little bit of a troublemaker growing up. He loved the small corner of India he grew up in and it will forever hold a place in his heart.
Raju was arranged to marry Reena Franson, and went to meet her at Aleppy Medical College, where she worked at the time. He moved to the US in 1984 and began to build a life in Chicago, IL, working at a dye casting company to make ends meet. He married Reena in 1986 and eventually followed in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps by opening a thriving Indian grocery store that was a meeting place for the local Malayalee community.
During this time, Raju and Reena gave birth to two beautiful children, Renji and Rinu. Together, they would go camping, spend holidays with family and friends, attend Rinu’s frequent Indian classical dance competitions, and they even enjoyed watching The Police Academy movies. Raju loved his son and daughter and always did his best to care for and provide for his family.
He eventually sold the grocery store and bought a gas station on the south side of Chicago where he confronted a tougher side of Chicago but did so consistently without ever complaining or even considering taking a day off.
His kids eventually went off to and completed college—Drake and Marquette respectively—while Raju sold the gas station and opened yet another business. Raju’s catering company was praised by the Malayalee community, and his handmade samosas will forever be missed.
Raju had a green thumb. He loved gardening, sitting outside in the sun, and listening to old Malayalam melodies. But his true passion in life was cooking for and hosting his friends and families. He loved doing things for others and he will truly be missed.
Raju is preceded in death by his father, Antony Thobias, his mother Gracia Thobias, his brother Alfred Thobias and Rani Paul, his sister-in-law, Francis Panath his father-in-law and Moni Francis his mother-in-law
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7th, at St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Missouri City.
What’s your fondest memory of Raju?
What’s a lesson you learned from Raju?
Share a story where Raju's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Raju you’ll never forget.
How did Raju make you smile?
