Obituary of Thomas K. Itty

MEMORIAL SERVICES Location: Mar Thoma Church of Staten Island 134 Faber St. Staten Island, New York 10302 Viewing Service: Wednesday, November 30, 2022 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Funeral Service: Thursday, December 1, 2022 9:00 am – 11:00 am Interment: Moravian Cemetery 2205 Richmond Rd. Staten Island, New York 10306 PALL BEARERS: K. I. Thomas Shailey Varghese Jelitt Thomas Aaron George Sunil George Jobin Philip Winrich Varughese Abel George Mr. Thomas K. Itty (Thankachan) September 16, 1933 – November 27, 2022 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” - Psalm 116:15 OBITUARY Thomas K. Itty (Thankachan) was born on September 16th, 1933, to K.I. Thomas and Mariamma Thomas of Keeyathu House, Othera (Thiruvalla), Kerala, India. He was the eldest of nine children and played a benevolent role in his younger siblings’ lives. After attending Chengannur Boys' High School, he completed his Teachers’ Training Course from Angadickal Teachers’ Training Institute. He was also known by the names Thankachan Sir and Itty Sir. At the age of 21, he began his career as a teacher at M.T Seminary School, Kottayam. Over the next 34 years, he had the privilege of working as a teacher in several schools in the Mar Thoma Management throughout Kerala and ultimately earned the title of Headmaster. As a teacher, he took pride in developing his students and cheered for their success. As a Headmaster, he enjoyed mentoring the next generation of educators. Thomas was an invaluable member of his home parish, Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church, Othera. He served his parish in various positions including trustee, secretary, lay leader, and Sunday School superintendent. Above all else, his most cherished role was Sunday School teacher, where he was a strong and inspirational Christian role model to hundreds of students. On April 12th, 1956, Thomas married Aleyamma Kuruvilla (Aleykutty) of Thazhathel House, Keezhvaipur. In their 66 years of blissful marriage, they were blessed with three children, Thomas K. I. (Mohan), Marykutty Varghese (Suma), and Sunil K. George as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Thomas immigrated to the United States in 1989 and settled in Staten Island, New York. In this new home, his role in the family expanded from being a brother and an uncle to serving as a paternal figure for his siblings and a grandparent for all his nieces and nephews. As the patriarch of his family, he cherished the time he spent with each member. He epitomized perseverance, diligence, strength, and humility. He had a strong positive outlook, allowing him to see the silver lining in any situation. Although he retired from teaching, he remained a lifelong educator. Whether it was conducting at home Malayalam classes for all his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren or passing along life lessons, he imparted wisdom and noble characteristics to the generations that followed. During his final years, he faced every situation with sheer determination, will power and strong Christian faith. Thomas was called to eternal rest on November 27th, 2022 at the age of 89. He is survived by his beloved wife Aleykutty, his eldest son Mohan and his wife Marykutty Thomas (Kochumol), his daughter Suma and her husband Shailey Varghese, and his youngest son Sunil and his wife Sunu George. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Joody and her husband Jobin, Jelitt, Reshma and her husband Amal, Winrich, Aaron, Abel, Alicia and two great grandchildren, Julia and Jordanis. He is survived by his seven dear siblings: Roohamma and her husband Thankachan, Mani and her husband Monichen, Lal and his wife Joyce, Gracy and her husband Ponnukutty, Elcy and her husband Kunjumon, Tity and her husband Joy, Mercy and her husband Babu. He will also be missed dearly by his nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. He is now blessed to be reunited with his parents and brother (Late Mr. George Thomas) in the safe arms of the Lord. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The family of Mr. Thomas K. Itty wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement. Our family extends our sincerest gratitude to all those who expressed concern for Pappa during his illness. Your continued prayers and presence have upheld us and been a source of strength and comfort during this difficult journey. We offer a special thanks to the Vicar, Office Bearers, Executive Committee and Parish members of the Mar Thoma Church Staten Island. Your continuous support is greatly appreciated.