Obituary of Kuruvilla Kurian

Kuruvilla Kurian (Thankachen) May 19, 1947 – December 4, 2024. Kuruvilla Kurian, fondly known as Thankachen, was born on May 19, 1947, into the Thykurunjiyil family of Thiruvanvandoor, Kerala, India. He was the fourth son in a loving family of seven siblings, born to Mr. Thykurunjiyil Idikula Kuruvilla and Mrs. Saramma Kuruvilla. In 1983, Thankachen emigrated to the United States with his devoted wife, Aleyamma Kurian, to build a better future. Upon arrival, he worked various jobs before establishing himself in the care of the elderly at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ. Thankachen's entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to start multiple successful ventures, including a driving school, grocery stores like Kohinoor Indian Grocery, construction companies such as Allstate Home Improvement, and the restaurant Jai Palace. Thankachen, our Papa, was deeply committed to his faith and community. As an active member of the Church of God (COG), he played a pivotal role in uniting people and leaders to build and expand churches. His generosity and dedication extended beyond the church, as he frequently helped newly arrived Malayalee immigrants by assisting them in finding housing, employment, and transportation. Thankachen had a deep love and relationship with his extended Knanaya family. He never forgot his deep roots and bond to his Knanaya heritage. Papa's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Aleyamma, his three children, their spouses, and ten grandchildren: Son: Binuvi, wife Susan, and their children Bryce and Aliyah. Daughter: Ive Francis, husband Leni Francis, and their children Sara, Zarya, Ezra, and Micah. Son: Hanu, wife Irine, and their children Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah, and Joshua. In addition, he is survived by his sisters Achamma, Mollykutty, his brother Jacob, and his late siblings Abraham, Raju, and Valsamma. Papa passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and a pillar of his community. His legacy of faith, generosity, and entrepreneurship will continue to inspire those who knew him. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 from 4:30 – 8:30PM for visitation at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ. A Prayer Service will be held on Monday morning, December 9th, 2024, from 8:45AM - 10:30AM, at the funeral home, with burial following at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ. Lunch After Cemetery Service, Bethany Community Center, 605 Pascack Rd. Township of Washington, NJ, Monday, December 9, 2024, 12:15 PM to 3:15 PM. To send condolences, for directions, or further information visit: http://www.gentilefuneralservice.com