Dr. Raju Varghese

Dr. Raju K.G. Varghese, 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and the Reverend Father K.J. Varghese, on October 16, 2025. Dr. Varghese was preceded in death by his parents, K.G. Varghese and Thankamma Gevarghese; brother, Jacob "Baboy"; and brother, Aniankunju.

He was born in Kollam, Kerala, India, and the eldest of four sons. He attended college in Kollam, receiving a BSc in biology, and then obtained a Master's in Social Work (MSW) in Madras. It was there that he developed a deep passion for teaching, which would become a lifelong vocation.

In 1966, he moved from India to the United States to further his education and to continue his career in teaching. He earned a second MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Temple University, and a Master's in Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Varghese served on the faculty of the University of Maryland, Baltimore for 40 years (1972-2012), where he was a beloved professor and mentor to generations of graduate students. He was instrumental in creating a partnership between the University of Maryland and the Rajagiri School of Social Sciences in Kochi, Kerala, India. He found immense joy in leading student groups to India, and in hosting Rajagiri College students in his home in Maryland. Even after retirement, he continued to support the University of Maryland by teaching classes and he remained dedicated to ensuring the continued vitality of the partnership between the University of Maryland and Rajagiri College.

A man of deep Christian faith, Dr. Varghese was an active and devoted member of the Baltimore Indian Orthodox Church, serving in the altar and providing leadership and support. In its earlier years, the church had no permanent physical location and moved periodically, holding worship services in spaces rented from other churches. Dr. Varghese envisioned a permanent home for the church congregation and was instrumental in building the first St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He later joined the St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church in Damascus, Maryland, where he also served in the altar and was an active member of that church until his passing.

He truly embodied a servant's heart, demonstrating this in his humility, selflessness, and sacrifice, always prioritizing the needs of others, and being proactive and willing in his service to others.

A dedicated philanthropist, he helped countless individuals and organizations throughout his lifetime. He was a devoted supporter and board member of many charities and foundations. Especially dear to his heart was Indian Christian Orthodox Network Charities, Inc. (ICON), an organization whose mission is to uplift the less fortunate by empowering them with the necessary resources to succeed.

Outside of his professional and charitable work, he had many passions. He pursued multiple business and real estate development ventures. Above all, he loved his family and friends deeply. He loved animals, especially dogs. Though he was known professionally as Dr. Varghese, his most endeared names included Kunje, Appa, RajuAppa, RajuUncle, RajuAchayan, Uncle, and RajuSar.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Dr. Sarah "Molly" Varghese; daughter, Suja Varghese and husband, Dana Kaczynski; daughter, Dr. Saji Slavin and husband, Michael Slavin; son, Dr. Sanjeev Varghese and partner, Dr. Alicia Marhefka; brother, Dr. K.G. Thomaskutty and wife, Dr. Mercy Thomaskutty; sister-in-law, Valsamma Jacob; brother-in-law, Korah Mani and wife, Dr. Shobha Mani; sister-in-law, Annie Mani; cousin and longtime business partner, Mani Pulimood and wife, Dr. Mary Pulimood; godsons and nephews, Steven Pulimood and Matthew Mani; nieces, Achamma Luke, Dr. Shari Thomas, Ashley Thomas, and Namita Mani; nephews, Georgie Thomas and Michael Mani; and a large network of cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, and fellow church members who he loved dearly and were a part of his beloved family. He is also survived by his dog, Zeeba, his ever faithful companion.

His lasting legacy will live on, in the countless lives he touched through his love, faith, generosity, teaching, and mentorship.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, between the hours of 5pm-8pm at the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore, 7321 Windsor Mill Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244; where a funeral service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 9:30am. Interment service to follow, at St. John's Cemetery in Ellicott City.

The services will be livestreamed: www.youtube.com/@SumodJacobVideoPhotography/streams

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Indian Christian Orthodox Network Charities, Inc. (ICON). Donations may be made electronically or by check; please note "Dr. Raju Varghese Memorial" in the memo line for electronic or check donations. Donations may be sent via Zelle to email icon.org@gmail.com. Donations may be sent via PayPal to ICON Charities, Inc. Checks may be made payable to ICON Charities, and mailed to ICON Charities, P.O. Box 552, Bettendorf, IA 52722.