Joseph was born in Kerala, India, to I.J. Chacko and Cicily Chacko. He moved to the United States in 1986 and went on to build a long career in insurance underwriting, working for the New York State Insurance Fund for more than 33 years. He embraced his American citizenship while honoring his roots and heritage.
Joseph devoted himself to providing for those he loved and took great pride in the life he built. He found his greatest joy in the company of family and friends, where he felt most at home. He also found quiet fulfillment in his garden, tending to his plants with patience and care and taking comfort in watching them flourish. Rooted in deep faith, Joseph drew strength and purpose from his beliefs throughout every stage of his life.
Joseph will be remembered for his determination, resourcefulness, strong work ethic, practical wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his family. His family will miss him greatly and will carry forward the values and example he gave them.
Joseph was preceded in death by his father, I.J. Chacko; his mother, Cicily Chacko; and his sisters, Mariamma Moongamakal (George Moongamakal) and Claramma Abraham (Bob Edakkara).
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Illipparambil; his sons, Lijo Illipparambil (Kailyn Rigby) and Levin Chacko; his granddaughter, Veralyn; his siblings, Varghese Chacko (Lovely Elavumkal), Valsamma John (Johnny Thadathil Puthenpurayil), and Graciamma Lonappan (Lonappan Thelliyil); his sister, Roseamma Thomichan Chacko (Bency Puliyananickal), Flower Jacob (late Chacko Neroth), Anne Chacko (Josi Thathekkatu), and Sophie Chacko (Johnson Arackakudiyil). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his services. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Lamb Funeral Home Inc., 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Please use the funeral home entrance only which is at the top of the hill on Byberry Road.
A second viewing will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Saint Hilary of Poitiers Church, 820 Susquehanna Rd, Rydal, PA 19046. Followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.
He will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150, on August 29, 2026, at 12:30 pm.
Livestream for Friday, August 28, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/live/0kYNV4msGiE?si=b4zTtmQBttEQPckP
Livestream for Saturday, August 29, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/live/_F1svWEcj0o?is=GAcsGJlw4_zsODBM
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association: https://wallofremembrance.funraise.org/fundraiser/joseph-chacko
