Sajan Paul Chirayil

Sajan Chirayil was born on November 16th, 1957 in Kottayam, Kerala, India. He was the youngest son of C.M. Paul Chirayil and Sosamma Paul Chirayil He grew up surrounded by loving parents and had three older siblings: C.P. Mathew, Rajan Paul Chirayil, and Sajini Paul.

Sajan’s family have been active members of St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church (Manganam, Kottayam) for many generations. His father C.M. Paul worked as an accountant for the Tata Tea estate company in Munnar, India. Sajan completed his primary education in Munnar. Later on, Sajan attended MT Seminary School and completed his secondary education there. He continued his education at CMS College,Kottayam and pursued a career as a health inspector in Bombay, India. Sajan served in the Cochin and Kottayam municipality corporation as a health inspector for several years.

In 1985, Sajan moved to the United States and pursued an education in respiratory therapy in Chicago. During that time, he married his wife Susy (Omana) from Thottakad. He started his career as a respiratory therapist in the late 80’s at the University of Chicago for over 20 years. He was a dedicated respiratory therapist who enjoyed serving and caring for people. He served patients from pediatrics to geriatrics and served as an educational instructor.

His first born Shone Sajan Chirayil and daughter, Shoma Sajan Johnson, grew up in Chicago. Sajan embraced his family and traditions and instilled those values in his children. He desired to raise his children in his hometown Kottayam to further understand and learn the cultural values he embraced. Sajan brought up his children to understand the importance of faith and family and dedicated his time to serving the St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church as a Sunday school teacher.

Sajan and his family started a new chapter of his life by moving to Atlanta, GA in 2006. He was an active member of the Atlanta Mar Thoma Church and Atlanta Malayalee community. He served in various committees at the church and was an active participant during Sunday worship. Sajan’s family grew in 2018 and 2019 with the addition of Edwin Johnson and Veena Chirayil.

Sajan cherished his friendships and enjoyed creating new relationships with people. Sajan enjoyed a good steak at Outback Steakhouse and Thai food with his friends. He enjoyed watching global travel and food vlogs and specifically Mark Weins, often saying “oh wow” along-side him. He also enjoyed a good nap and sleeping early. He would find a way to visit all his family members around the world. Sajan thoroughly enjoyed his time in Kerala and looked forward to every visit with eagerness. Sajan exemplified a purpose-filled life.

His calm and gentle nature was known to all. His laughter and positivity will be missed. He leaves behind many wonderful memories, purposeful relationships and an amazing legacy.

In lieu of flowers at the funeral home or residence, Dad (Sajan Paul) has expressed his wishes to support a cancer patient in Kerala,India. He believed that he received the best medical care and would like another individual to have a fighting chance.

As per his wishes, we will be supporting an individual from India who is fighting cancer so that like Sajan, they will receive the best possible treatment.