Dr. Mathew Thomas

Psalms 116:7

Dr. Mathew Thomas, affectionately called Mathukutty, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world to be with the Lord on July 23, 2022.

He was born to the late Mr. M.C. Thomas and late Mrs. Mariamma Thomas of the Mannoor family on September 27, 1948 in Kottarakkara, Kerala. He was the fifth of six children.

He moved to America in 1976 and went back to Kerala to marry his wife, Vineetha, on July 28, 1980. Their only child, Priya, was born in 1984. He was a cherished father-in-law to Sam, and beloved grandfather to Rohan and Vin.

Mathew, or Dr. Thomas as he was also called, earned his degree in Education and Masters in Botany from India. After his arrival to the US, he completed his training in medical technology at the University of Pennsylvania. At the age of 41, he pursued his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Temple University and graduated in 1994.

Once he received his DMD, he practiced dentistry for some years, after which he found his true passion as a professor at Penn Dental Medicine. He was loved and admired by students far and wide for his patience, kindness and humor, while generously imparting to them his knowledge.

He had a love for nature, as could be evidenced by his beautiful garden. He had an affinity for the arts, such as Indian classical music, and he would often have it blasting through the house or in the car. He was also an avid reader, especially in theology and the Christian faith. Perhaps one of his most cherished pastimes other than reading was cooking. His famous duck curry is well known in our church community, and he relished in showing his love through the food he made for his loved ones.

He was also a very active member in the Philadelphia Mar Thoma Church, of which he had been a member since its beginning. At various times throughout his life, he served as the church’s Vice President and Secretary. He initiated the formation of Sahayee, the church organization for its senior members, and played a significant role in its direction. He was chosen to speak on numerous occasions at the pulpit because of his oratory skills and beautiful messages in Malayalam. He had a strong faith in our Lord that was undeniable by anyone who knew or met him.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Vineetha Thomas, his daughter Dr. Priya Mathew, his son-in-law Mr. Sam Tharakan Mathew, and the apples of his eye; his grandchildren Rohan and Vin.

He also leaves behind his beloved siblings; Dr. Jacob Thomas, Mr. Mannoor Thomas and Mrs. Annie Chacko. He joins his brothers who have gone before him to eternity; Dr. Thomas Varghese and Mr. Abraham Thomas, along with their parents.

The viewing will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 6-9PM

at the Mar Thoma Church of Philadelphia, 1085 Camp Hill Rd, Fort Washington, PA 19034

The funeral services and viewing will be on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 9:30-11:45 AM

at Mar Thoma Church of Philadelphia, 1085 Camp Hill Rd, Fort Washington, PA 19034 followed by the Interment at 12:30 PM at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lambfuneralhomeinc.com for the Thomas family.