Cyril Raj

According to Cyril’s parents, “Our son had special needs. We didn’t see him as being needy - just special. The joy of seeing our firstborn take his tentative first steps, and move through normal childhood milestones, was a blessing. Our hopes and aspirations were no different than those of other parents.”

However, today, as his parents attempt to grapple with the shattering loss, they choose to celebrate Cyril’s life with a spirit of gratitude. His journey began in India, born in February 1998 to Joe Patrick and Anitha Joe, before relocating to the US in 2003. The first few years of his life (till about 6 years) were as normal as possible. As a happy, healthy firstborn, he was welcomed into the young family. As he scampered around, frolicking about, little did his parents expect to be writing an epitaph before his 25th birthday. Like all kids, Cyril started out in Bright Beginning Learning Center, NJ, in the Special Needs section. He welcomed his younger brother Joshua in 2005 as a new addition to the family. Despite all his challenges - hospitalizations, surgeries, and being wheelchair-bound - he graduated in 2019 from Pennsbury High School.

On Aug 22, 2015 Cyril accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and got water baptized.

To date, Cyril’s teachers vouch for his killer SMILE, (As Shakespeare would say; A smile cures the wounding of a frown) aptly capped with a mental acumen, which left many amazed.

As the Bible states,” A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance," that was CYRIL. Despite being non-verbal, his expressive face SAID IT ALL. No amount of struggles would escape Cyril’s face, but only a SMILE, which broke through his discomforts. Being very fashion-conscious, he made his displeasure known if an outfit was not to his liking.

Since October 27th, 2022, Heaven is now his new home at the age of 24, safely ensconced in HIS arms, the feeling of home alone grips his brother Joshua. Incidentally, the movie by the same name, ‘HOME ALONE,’ was Cyril’s all-time favorite. A regular at Sunday School, he was the apple of his teacher’s eyes. Cyril enjoyed family, faith & football. Another Biblical connection was the eagles. The Philadelphia Eagles was his passion wherein, a touchdown had him ecstatic.

To sum it all up, today, we celebrate a blessed life, which was a pleasure; his memory a treasure & loved beyond measure God broke hearts but proved that He only takes the best.

To quote Hamlet: 'May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'

Viewing ServiceFriday - November 04, 2022 - 6.00 PM to 8:00 PMJames J. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc2200 Trenton Road, Levittown PA 19056

Viewing Saturday - November 05, 2022 - 9:30-10:30 a.m. and Service Saturday, November 5, 2022 - 10:30 a.m.Calvary Full Gospel Church676 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills PA 19030

Interment will follow in Beechwood Cemetery, Bensalem.