Our Pappa, Mr. George Koshy (Babu-79), Chuttivattathu House, Puthuval, Pathanapuram, Kerala, India, was born on August 07, 1941 to late Mr. Oommen Koshy and late Mrs. Rachel Koshy. Pappa was taken into eternal abode peacefully on 11/08/2020 at Doylestown Hospital, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Annamma George and two children, Julie Varghese and Jubie George; Son-in-law, Jacob Varghese and grand kids, Christian Varghese and Sachin Jacob. He was the second of four siblings: late Mr. Samuel Koshy and sisters, Leela John and Molly John.
Pappa completed his Pre-degree at Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum and post degree in Mathematics, at NSS College, Pandalam, where he was a member of the men’s soccer team. After graduation, Pappa started Netaji College, Pathanapuram in 1964 and was given the nickname “Babu Sir”. Through his institution and an amazing teaching staff (who became his long-life friends), thousands of youngsters were able to complete studies, who were otherwise unable, due to financial hardships and inadequate family support. We the family have encountered hundreds of his students who have contacted Pappa in their later years to express their gratitude.
Pappa was a proud Indian, involved in Indian politics and used his influence to help many in need. From his young age, he was also active in the CSI Church choir and was District Youth Secretary many times. He never missed a Sunday church service until his illness. He loved to sing, and everyone knew he was in their midst when his deep and rich voice stood out amongst many.
Pappa married his young love, our mom, on June 8th 1970 and settled in Pathanapuram where he continued to teach, and mom worked as a nurse. They immigrated to Philadelphia in 1981 and brought us children to join them in 1983. Pappa was one of the founding members of both Malayalee Association of Philadelphia and Ecumenical Association of Indian churches in Philadelphia. He was extremely active in the Indian community, always fighting for the betterment of our future generations. He was an ardent reader, who read all books he could get his hands on. His passion for teaching, reading and books were evident throughout his whole life.
As a family man, he strived to make our days fun and was always attempting to make us laugh through his jokes. He was very social, kind and had a special gift for holding personal conversations with all he encountered, leaving a lasting inspiration on everyone. Pappa was well before his time when it came to social causes. He took a strong stance for women's and minority rights, and he stood strongly against caste system, dowry system, and all other injustices. He taught us and his grandkids to be respectful, strong, and never to forget our roots. He was a loving brother to his siblings, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law and cherished his nephews and nieces.
Pappa served the Lord faithfully as a member of CSI Christ Church in PA. He lived a simple life, visited his favorite place, Pathanapuram often and treasured his old friendships. Pappa’s physical death will be an eternal loss to his family, friends, church, and community.
