Thomas K. Varghese

IN LOVING MEMORY
THOMAS K. VARGHESE
February 24, 1936 – April 11, 2025
His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant – thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:21
________________________________________
Thomas K. Varghese was born on February 24, 1936, in Pennukkara, Chengannur, a small traditional town in Kerala, India, to the late K.G. Thomas and the late Achamma Thomas of Kuzhiyil Kizhakathil House (Mathu Tharakan). He was the eldest son among six children. His parents were devout Pentecostal believers who always placed God and their faith at the center of their household.
Thomas received salvation at the age of 20 and, in obedience to the Holy Spirit, received water baptism at the age of 24. His faith, like that of his parents, was unwavering. Despite facing numerous hardships, he remained steadfast in his dedication to God. After excelling in his studies, Thomas moved to Mumbai in the late 1960s to pursue a career. There, he worked for Kothari Medical Book Depot. During this time, he began to experience a decline in his eyesight and hearing, but this did not deter him from excelling in his work. He was often referred to as the "human computer" because of his remarkable memory and mathematical expertise.
He met his lovely bride, a fellow believer, Kunjamma Kurian, and they were married at the Pentecostal Mission Church in Chengannur in 1967. Their family began to grow, and they were blessed with a son, Santosh, in 1970. Shortly afterward, Thomas and Kunjamma immigrated to the United States, settling in Hillside, New Jersey. There, they welcomed a daughter, Sini, and their young family was complete. Thomas joined the Pennwalt Corporation in the agricultural research department as a laboratory assistant from 1973 to 1982, until the company relocated to Upstate New York. He then worked at Toys"R"Us until his retirement in January 1998.
As an immigrant family in a new country, they relied heavily on their deep-rooted faith in God. They were devoted members of the New Testament Church, faithfully attending services and enjoying close fellowship with the servants of God and fellow believers. Thomas was known as a prayer warrior, praying for family members and friends by name and always remembering those who were unwell or facing difficulties. His heart was dedicated to his church and to serving others.
One of the deep longings of his spiritual journey was to be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Though it remained a question in his heart for many years, during his first year of retirement, and with the encouragement of the servants of God, his desire was fulfilled.
Thomas was also deeply devoted to his family. Affectionately known as "Papa" to so many for the fatherly presence he was, he attended countless family functions over the years, always leading in prayer. In 1985, he began the cherished tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving together. What started as a small gathering of a few families has grown into an annual event attended by more than 80 family members. Each year, he implored the younger generation to carry the tradition forward, emphasizing the importance of family unity.
His own family continued to grow. His son, Santosh, married Sheeba Daniel in 1995 and was blessed with two sons, Samuel and Steven. His daughter, Sini, married Ajit George in 1999 and had two daughters, Sara and Abigail. Thomas doted on his grandchildren as any proud grandfather would-offering wisdom, guidance, and fervent prayers. His deepest desire was for them to continue in the strong foundation of faith he helped build.
In 2010, Thomas faced a serious health condition that left him near death. But God miraculously delivered him, and Thomas expressed immense gratitude to the Lord for His continued faithfulness. Through it all, his commitment to God only deepened, and he shared his renewed faith with those around him as a living testament to God's goodness.
Thomas peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 11, 2025. God faithfully completed His work in him and welcomed him into eternal rest. He left this earth surrounded by his loving family, including his devoted wife, Kunjamma; his children, Santosh and Sheeba, Sini and Ajit; and his beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Sara, Steven, and Abigail. He is also survived by his siblings Thomas Easo, Thomas John, Thomas Cherian, and Annamma Roy, as well as many extended family members near and far.
While we will all dearly miss our beloved Papa, we find great comfort in knowing that he is now in the loving arms of His Heavenly Father.