We deeply regret the demise of our senior member Mr. Jacob T. Varkey, beloved father of our members Mrs. Elizabeth Varghese and Mrs. Ancy George on June 20, 2023. Our prayers and condolences to the bereaving family.
Jacob T. Varkey (Thankachen) was born on October 1, 1939 in Pampady, Kerala, India to the late Mr. Accalloor Mathai Varke
y and late Mrs. Aleyamma Varkey (Meppanal House). He was the fifth of ten children and enjoyed making memories with his three brothers and six sisters. His parents relocated to Aluva, Kerala, India to facilitate the higher education of their children.
Thankachen studied at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Bangalore, India and pursued work at Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) in Kerala, India as a machinist. He married his beloved wife and lifelong partner, the late Kunjamma Jacob, on May 19, 1968. Together, they were blessed with three daughters, Elizabeth, Ancy, and Susan. In 1988, Thankachen immigrated to the U.S. with his brother, late Varghese T. Varkey. He was later joined by his wife and children in 1989. They settled in Waldwick, NJ where Thankachen raised his children and grandchildren for the next 34 years of his life in America.
During his time in the U.S., Thankachen worked hard to provide for his family. He was a dedicated employee at Praxair Electronics in Orangeburg, NY. Thankachen was an active member of St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church of Rockland in Suffern, NY where he developed lasting friendships with his St. Mary’s family. He is remembered as a loving brother and father, devoted husband, caring grandfather, and loyal friend. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, hard work, and resilience. Thankachen will be remembered for filling the hearts of his friends and family with laughter and lives on in the fond memories we carry of his love.
Thankachen is predeceased by his wife, late Kunjamma Jacob and survived by his children, Elizabeth Varghese, Ancy George, and Susan Jacob, sons-in-law, Jeemon Varghese and Saju George, and grandchildren, Christa, Mekha, Sneha, Emil, Mason, an
d Owen. He leaves behind his siblings Annamma Thomas, Ally Thomas, Sara Ambatt, Rachel George, brother-in-law, George Palakalathil, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He is predeceased by his brothers T.V. Thomas, O.V. Mathai, Varghese T. Varkey; sisters, Leelamma Pailo, Marykutty Rai; and brothers-in-law, Mathew K. Thomas, John C. Ambatt, and Thomas P. Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made in memory of Jacob T. Varkey to the following organization:
The Valley Hospital Foundation — www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org/donate
Designation: Hospice Care
Even through his illness, Thankachen brightened the lives of every person he interacted with through hilarious jokes and stories – a beautiful quality that we will miss dearly. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers.
With love & gratitude, Elizabeth, Ancy, Susan, Jeemon, Saju, Christa, Mekha, Sneha, Emil, Mason, and Owen
Live Stream – Viewing – June 23, 2023
Live Stream – Funeral Service – June 24, 2023
