Dr. Abraham Karottukunnel (Avarachen) of Tampa, Florida passed away at his residence on Monday, October 26, 2020, at the age of 77. He left behind his wife Indira (daughter of late C. T. Thomas Vakil and Kunjamma Thomas, Coipurathu, Ranni) and four children and their families including four grandchildren. He was the son of late K. C. Mathew (Mathai Sar) and Aley Mathew of Karottukunnel of Cherpunkal, Kerala.
Avarachen practiced medicine for almost fifty years; starting in his native Kottayam and then to Ethiopia to practice under the Ministry of Health and finally in the United States.
He and his family came to America in 1976 in pursuit of his residency in Internal Medicine, specializing in Pediatrics at Rutgers University, New Jersey. Later Avarachen, along with Indira and their young children moved to Arkansas where he lived and practiced for six years and finally thereafter, making his move to Florida, where he would live and practice medicine until his retirement, in 2014.
In Arkansas, he was one of the 2 doctors serving the small rural community of Hamburg. From these humble beginnings, he went on to establish several small practices in rural and underserved areas of central Florida. Faithful to his profession, his genuine empathy and care for his patients was incomparable. His service to a diverse patient group included many elderly Malayalees without health insurance, for whom he frequently stayed past his normal office hours. Avarchen leaves behind a legacy of exemplary patient-care.
Along with caring for his patients, Avarachen was a devoted son and husband, kind-hearted brother to his siblings, a loving father and a gentle, caring, and silly Appacha to his grandchildren. He had a unique ability to welcome people into his home and their comfort, especially making sure they were well-fed, was of utmost importance to him. He was a soothing solace to any who came to him with troubled minds.
Avarachen's life of commitment extended beyond his familial ties to an unwavering commitment to his patients. Whether we knew him personally or professionally; he had a unique ability to regale us with his wit and keen sense of perception.
Avarachen leaves us with many fond memories and we will miss him dearly. Go in peace, our beloved father, brother, doctor and friend. Your light will shine on until we meet on the beautiful shores of eternity.
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