Janardhanan Kakkarayil

May 30, 1941 – June 24, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, and leader.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janardhanan Kakkarayil, who left us peacefully at the age of 84 on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Fairfax Inova Hospital, Fairfax, Virginia

Born on May 30, 1941, in Kannur, Kerala, India, to Kannan Kakkarayil and Manikyam, Janardhanan was the sixth of eight children. After losing his father at a young age, he overcame adversity and pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, graduating at the top of his class. He began his professional journey with an internship at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center in Mumbai and went on to work at MICO in Nasik. He later moved to Borivali and then to Hyderabad, where he joined Shri Ram Diesels and eventually settled in Secunderabad, building a life and home for his family.

Janardhanan was a gentleman, man of discipline, integrity, unbound energy and great intellect. His strong will and magnetic presence left a lasting impact on everyone he met. At work, he was known for his ethics and professionalism, rising through the ranks to become General Manager. He traveled widely—to Germany, Turkey, Thailand, and Japan—as part of his career and was credited with helping design the USHA sewing machine. He was a mentor and guide to many, always ready to support and uplift his colleagues and juniors. In the US, he encouraged the volunteers and participated in voluntary work for the Kaveri Kannada Association, Washington DC Metro and the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Maryland

A man of many passions, Janardhanan loved gaining new experiences and travel. He loved reading, was an avid follower of current affairs, and someone who deeply valued cleanliness, punctuality, and presentation. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting several engineering ventures. Social at heart, he enjoyed attending gatherings and hosting and cherished life’s moments.

Janardhanan was married to his extraordinary and beautiful wife, Pushpa Vadakkan Kovil, for 47 years. Together, they shared an active and eventful life, celebrating milestones and festivals with great enthusiasm and enjoying many travels after retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kannan and Manikyam, his wife Pushpa Vadakkan Kovil, his brothers Krishnan and Kelu, and his sisters Kausalya and Kamalakshi.

Janardhanan is survived by his loving daughter Nanditha, son-in-law Haridas, his son Nishant, daughter-in-law Nisha, and his cherished grandchildren Nanma Haridas and Mila Nishant. He also leaves behind his brother Ravi, sister Prema, his wife's and his extended family, and many friends and colleagues who were inspired by his life.

We are deeply grateful for the time we had with him—a life well lived, and a legacy of strength, love, and cherished memories.

A funeral service for Janardhanan will be held Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.