Joseph "Joy" Muthalathu

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joseph Poulose Muthalathu (Joy), 85 years, who departed to his heavenly home on July 6, 2022. He passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones at home in Austin, Texas.

Joy was born June 13, 1937 in Mulanthuruthy, Kerala, to the late Mr. Muthalathu Poulose and Mrs. Annamma Poulose. The oldest of four children, he had younger brothers – George Muthalathu, who was sadly taken from us in 2020 by Covid, and Matthew Muthalathu- and one sister, Mariamma Phillips, all residing in Long Island, NY. Joy moved to Bhilai, India in 1957 and worked for 18 years as a chemist. He married his beloved wife Mary Varkey, and together they raised two young children in India until moving to the United States in 1976. They experienced many struggles and took on the challenges of coming to a foreign land and starting from scratch, as they sought to build a better life for their family. He made his home in Texas, initially in Corpus Christi, then in Houston for 22 years where he worked for oil companies, Unocal and Western Geophysical before finally settling in Austin in 2001.

Joy leaves behind his wife Mary Joseph, his daughter Lisa Paul and her husband Sebi, his son Bobby Joseph and his wife Elizabeth, and his four grandchildren, Joseph Paul (25 yrs), Maya Paul (22 yrs), Leah Joseph (20 yrs) and Anna Joseph (15 yrs) who all know him as “Appacha.” Everyone who knew Joy would say that he was a very humble and kind man. He loved his family, his garden where he tended vegetables, and being a member of his church, St. Thomas Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church. He was always willing to go above and beyond to help others. He was a God fearing man and put God first in everything that he did.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The void he left can never be filled, and he will never be forgotten. His memories will live on forever in our hearts. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, a foundation supporting research treatment toward Alzheimer’s, a battle that Joy bravely fought near the end of his life.

A viewing for Joseph will be held Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, with a prayer service to follow from 6:30 to 7:30. The funeral service will occur Monday, July 11, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Thomas Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church, 20101 Keilman Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660 with a graveside service to follow at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.

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