Obituary of Joshua Daniel

Mr. Joshua Daniel (Pappachan) was called to eternal rest on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 at the age of 75. He was born on February 20th, 1948, to the late Mr. Geevarghese Daniel and Mrs. Sosamma Daniel in Konni-Kottoor- Kizhakkethil in Kerala, India. He was one of four children. Pappachan studied at the Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta in 1965. Soon after, Joshua founded a tutorial college with the late Mr. T.S. Samuel, where he spent most of his time educating students in mathematics who were preparing for college entrance exams. He immigrated to America in 1982 and settled in Staten Island, New York where he was welcomed with open arms by Rev. Fr. T. A. Thomas and Annamma Thomas to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Staten Island, where he was one of the founding families of the parish. He remained a devoted member up until his passing. Joshua met his greatest blessing, Kunjamma Philip, all thanks to his 1st cousin, Rev. Fr. Thomas Paul who introduced them at Balikamadom High School, Thiruvalla where Kunjamma would teach. On March 3rd, 1989, Pappachan married Kunjamma Philip of Vakathanam. She is the daughter of the late Mr. Ipe Philip and Mrs. Aleyamma Philip. Joshua and Kunjamma were happily married for 34 years and raised two children, John and Kessya Joshua, who were the light of his life. Joshua cherished nothing more than spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband and father who was committed to upholding a loving household that was deeply rooted in togetherness. For those who knew him, he was incredibly empathetic, loving, and generous. Pappachan always stepped up and would go above and beyond for those in need. Joshua worked for the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) for over 20 years as one of the first South Asian employees of the organization. One of his favorite hobbies was tending to his garden, and he immensely enjoyed quality time with his loved ones. Joshua was a devoted husband, father, brother, & friend. He is survived by his beloved wife Kunjamma, his son John, as Pappachan would lovingly call “my little one”, his daughter Kessya, and his youngest brother, Baby Daniel. Joshua is predeceased by his siblings, Aleyamma Geevarghese and Thankachan Daniel. Acknowledgements: On behalf of the Joshua Daniel family, we express our deepest gratitude to all the Vicars, especially Rev. Fr. T. A. Thomas, Rev. Fr. Bobby Varghese, Rev. Fr. Thomas Paul, Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph and Rev. Fr. Cherian Mundackal. We thank our parish family from St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Staten Island, and to our family and friends who through your prayers and support, have uplifted us. You all have been a great source of strength and comfort during our time of bereavement. We ask that you continue to uphold us in prayer as we navigate our ‘new normal’ without our beloved Pappachan, who was the patriarch of our family. Family and friends may visit on Friday, December 15th at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 130 Park Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302 from 4-8PM. A mass will be held at St. Mary’s on Saturday, December 16th at 9AM. A burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.