Thomas Abraham's Obituary
Join us in celebrating the vibrant life of Thomas Abraham Kizhakkemuriyil, lovingly known as Thankachen, who completed his earthly journey at the age of 91 in Houston.
Born in Aythala, Ranni, Thomas was a cherished member of the Kizhakkemuriyil family (originally Kalarickal, Aythila). In 1986, at the age of 53, he immigrated to New Jersey, USA, with his family. After a brief stay, he set roots in Long Island, New York, where he bought his first house three years later and enjoyed his years until retirement. He later relocated to Houston in 2007 to help raise his youngest grandchildren.
Thomas was a dedicated homebody and a fiercely protective father, especially of his three daughters. Known for his strikingly handsome looks in his younger days, he carried a deep respect for elders and never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand.
His charitable spirit was legendary; back in India, he constantly sought out ways to create jobs for the less fortunate, whether it was a small project around the house or something a tad bigger. He had a particular fondness for crisp white Stafford shirts from Macy’s—a man of impeccable taste!
Thomas’ passion for gardening was more than just a hobby; it was a way of life. He found immense joy in the simplicity of tending to his plants, watching them grow and flourish under his care, much like his own family.
Even in his golden years, he loved reading his Bible aloud by flashlight, a tradition that added an extra sparkle to his evenings. Thanksgiving was never complete without his famous turkey, and his incredible memory for family relationships was unmatched, recalling connections to second, third, and even fourth cousins, as well as the details of acquaintances from cities near his hometown in Kerala.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of many years, Mariamma Alummoottil; his dear siblings, K. A. Abraham (Baby) and Aliyamma Kannankara; along with the late Mariamma Paranickal, late Annamma Kallelimannil, and late Saudamini (Chachiyamma) Palakudiyil. Thomas was a devoted father to Biju and Beno (Kalarickal), Coral Springs, FL; Tom and Shiney (Arackaperumeth), Houston, TX; Suja and James Cheriyamoozhiyil, New York; Rejeena and Saju Kannankuzhayathu, New York; Reni and Loumon Tharayil, Tampa FL; Sony and Lovlin (Maliyil), Houston, TX. His legacy continues through his eighteen grandchildren: Aarcha, (Steven), Moonnuparayil, Aleshia, Akash, Aarsha, Kristy, Emil, Aaron, Abel, Athena, Oonni, Chothi, Thommu, Luke, Aleena, Leo, Rania, Alexa, and Carina.
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