Saiji Chirayil Cherian

Saiji Cherian was born on February 28, 1975 in Chengannur, Kerala to Thittamel Gheevarghese Cherian and Annamma Cherian, Chirayil Puthenveettil, Pennukara, Kerala, India. He lived in Mavelikara, Kerala and attended M.S.S. High School in Thazahakara until he and his family moved to the United States at the age of 15. They settled in Newburgh, NY where he completed high school at Newburgh Free Academy. He then went on to attend and graduate from Lincoln Tech with a degree in Automotive Engineering.

Saiji married his wife, Alli on May 15, 2000 and they began their lives together in Hudson Valley, NY. He started his career with IBM in 2000 and continued to work there for 15 years. He always had an ambition to start his own business and achieved his dream by opening a successful convenience store that he managed and co-owned. Saiji and Alli were blessed with two wonderful boys, Abraham and Joshua. He loved being a father and invested his time in participating in all his children’s activities.

Saiji was a strong, family oriented, and loving person. Being the oldest nephew, he served as a role model and a pillar of strength for his family. Saiji always put others’ needs before his own, no matter what it may be. He never hesitated to call and made sure to keep in touch no matter how far away you were. Till the very end, he always kept a positive outlook on any situation. Along with his dedication to his family and career, he was also an active parish member of the St James Mar Thoma Church in Hillburn, NY.

Saiji was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in March 2015. Though there were many struggles to overcome during his treatment, he fought hard until the very end and took his final breaths surrounded by family on January 1st, 2016. He will always be remembered as a loving son and husband, dedicated father, protective brother, and loyal friend.

Saiji is survived by his father Thittamel Gheevarghese Cherian, mother Annamma Cherian, wife Alli Rachel Cherian, sons 6 year old Abraham and 5 year old Joshua, sister Simmy Cherian, nephew Savon, as well as countless family members and friends.