Obituary for Varughese Pallikizhakathil Varughese
Varughese P. Varughese, lovingly known as Avarankutty, was born on December 6, 1948, in Kerala, India, to his parents, Varughese Thomas and Sosamma Varughese, Vanjipathra family, Pallikizhakathil house. He was the fourth sibling of six and was given the name Abraham only to have it changed to Varughese at school, and so was forever known that way.
Avarankutty was an active participant in his church from his early days and was known as a singer to all who knew him. When the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India was formed in 1961, his family was part of the movement, and so his love for STECI began.
After completing his high school and degree studies, Avarankutty moved to Bombay and worked as a machinist in different companies. While in Bombay, he was an active member of the STECI parish, which was led by one of his closest friends, Very Rev. P. M. Samuel.
In 1978, Avarankutty was matched up with his friend’s cousin who was in the US, Aleyamma Eyob (Leela), and they were married on March 30, 1978. He then moved to the United States and began his family life with Leela in the Bronx, NY. While in the Bronx, Avarankutty and Leela were blessed with three boys: Anil, Aji, and Alvin. They were able to bring many relatives from their respective families, which fostered the deep love and affection they still share to this day.
In 1982, Avarankutty joined the New York City Transit Authority as a Machinist and worked in a machine shop in upper Manhattan. “VP” loved his job and loved his co-workers, forming deep bonds and relationships that he shared until his passing. He retired in 2014 after 32 years of public service to the people of New York City.
Avarankutty was part of forming the original STECI New York Parish and was an active member. As STECI grew in the area, he was part of forming STECI Teaneck Parish, and ultimately a long time member of the St. Thomas Evangelical Church, Bergenfield. He cherished opportunities to sing in the church choir and NAFYC choir, but none more than leading the Christmas caroling for many years. Very few things brought more joy and life to Avarankutty than singing carols with his beloved church members every Christmas.
In October 1984, God blessed Avarankutty and Leela with their first home in Teaneck, NJ. It was there they raised their boys and formed deep roots with the greater Malayalee community. Avarankutty was an active member of the Friday Prayer Group in Teaneck Joychayan’s house, as well as other prayer and fellowships groups including BCMC.
In 2019, Avarankutty and Leela made the sacrificial decision to leave their home of 35 years in Teaneck, NJ and move to Dallas, TX to be with their sons. They were able to all be together and watch their family grow with more grandchildren. It was in Dallas in 2022 that Avarankutty was diagnosed with cancer, which he fought valiantly until his passing.
Avarankutty was known for his kindness, gentleness, and generosity and always greeted everyone with a warm smile. While he is greatly missed, we rejoice that he is with his Heavenly Father. Avarankutty is survived by his wife, Leela, his children, Anil & Jessy, Aji, and Alvin & Christina, and grandchildren, Jacob & Lucas, and Ava & Mia, as well as many, many family all over the US and abroad.
Avarankutty was an active participant in his church from his early days and was known as a singer to all who knew him. When the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India was formed in 1961, his family was part of the movement, and so his love for STECI began.
After completing his high school and degree studies, Avarankutty moved to Bombay and worked as a machinist in different companies. While in Bombay, he was an active member of the STECI parish, which was led by one of his closest friends, Very Rev. P. M. Samuel.
In 1978, Avarankutty was matched up with his friend’s cousin who was in the US, Aleyamma Eyob (Leela), and they were married on March 30, 1978. He then moved to the United States and began his family life with Leela in the Bronx, NY. While in the Bronx, Avarankutty and Leela were blessed with three boys: Anil, Aji, and Alvin. They were able to bring many relatives from their respective families, which fostered the deep love and affection they still share to this day.
In 1982, Avarankutty joined the New York City Transit Authority as a Machinist and worked in a machine shop in upper Manhattan. “VP” loved his job and loved his co-workers, forming deep bonds and relationships that he shared until his passing. He retired in 2014 after 32 years of public service to the people of New York City.
Avarankutty was part of forming the original STECI New York Parish and was an active member. As STECI grew in the area, he was part of forming STECI Teaneck Parish, and ultimately a long time member of the St. Thomas Evangelical Church, Bergenfield. He cherished opportunities to sing in the church choir and NAFYC choir, but none more than leading the Christmas caroling for many years. Very few things brought more joy and life to Avarankutty than singing carols with his beloved church members every Christmas.
In October 1984, God blessed Avarankutty and Leela with their first home in Teaneck, NJ. It was there they raised their boys and formed deep roots with the greater Malayalee community. Avarankutty was an active member of the Friday Prayer Group in Teaneck Joychayan’s house, as well as other prayer and fellowships groups including BCMC.
In 2019, Avarankutty and Leela made the sacrificial decision to leave their home of 35 years in Teaneck, NJ and move to Dallas, TX to be with their sons. They were able to all be together and watch their family grow with more grandchildren. It was in Dallas in 2022 that Avarankutty was diagnosed with cancer, which he fought valiantly until his passing.
Avarankutty was known for his kindness, gentleness, and generosity and always greeted everyone with a warm smile. While he is greatly missed, we rejoice that he is with his Heavenly Father. Avarankutty is survived by his wife, Leela, his children, Anil & Jessy, Aji, and Alvin & Christina, and grandchildren, Jacob & Lucas, and Ava & Mia, as well as many, many family all over the US and abroad.