Samuel Mathai
[Dec 12, 1947 - January 22, 2023]
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Samuel Mathai (Babykutty) 75, entered into heavenly abode on January 22, 2023. He was born on December 12, 1947 to the late Mr. T. M Samuel and Mrs. Rachel Samuel, Mangalathu Bethel, Venmony, Alapuzha. He grew up with four sisters, Gracy, Mariamma (Ammini), Aleyamma (Molly), Annamma (Valsa), whom he helped raise while their father was away for work in the Indian government.
He graduated high school with honors in 1964. In 1969, Samuel Mathai received his Bachelors degree, with Honors, in Organic Chemistry from NSS College, Pandalam, Kerala.
At his home parish, Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Venmony, he was among the founding members of the Youth League, taught as a Sunday School and VBS teacher, and performed as a choir coordinator. His lifelong devotion to Christ and his unwavering faith in God fueled his passion for service to the Church, and for his kindhearted altruism to family, friends, and neighbors alike.
After his education, he had briefly worked as a chemistry teacher in a private college. In 1973, he was one among the three selected out of thousands to work for the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, where he completed his 33 years of service. He had been stationed all over India throughout the span of his career,and had personally escorted the late Indian Prime Minister, Mrs.Indira Gandhi, as well as other VIPs.
He married Aleyamma Thomas (Ammukutty) of the Kochu-Vadakedathu family, Edayaranmula, on Jan 14th 1980. They have two sons Sam Mathew and Tom Mathew.
After opting for a voluntary retirement from his rank of Deputy Superintendent in 2006, he migrated to the US, joining his wife and children.
Samuel Mathai was an active member of The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey since he came to New Jersey.
His sense of humor and sharp wit always brought a smile to friends and family alike. He was very intelligent and held a broad spectrum of knowledge on various topics ranging from Calculus to Shakespeare. He was family oriented, modest, well-disciplined and left a legacy that will be cherished forever. And above all, he was God-fearing man who built his faith on the foundation of Rock that is Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer.
He passed away on Sunday, January 22nd 2023 at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, NJ, surrounded by family and friends. He is now safe in the arms of the Lord whom he served his entire life, and is finally reunited with his forebears.
Details of Wake and funeral service:
Click here for Live Video Stream during the below services.
Friday, 27 Jan 2023
Viewing: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service: 7.30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Saturday, 28 Jan 2023
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service : 10.00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery (225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936)