Dr. Thomas John - View Guestbook

Anita John Potomac, MD (Jan. 23, 2007)
My father was a great man who loved his community, heritage, but most of all his family. We miss him dearly. Words will never express how proud we are of our father, his accomplishments and love for us.

Raju Pothen Lanham, MD (Jan. 23, 2007)
We miss you "Achaya"

Josh Sunshine Columbia, MD (Jan. 23, 2007)
Lallitha,

Dara and I send our heartfelt condolences and our deepest sympathies to your family.

Sunil Samuel Silver Spring, MD (Jan. 23, 2007)
Kunjachaya - As painful as it is to see you depart from this world, knowing that you are with our Father overwhelms me with joy. Having another to intercede my prayers to the Lord. An angel who will one day welcome me if I am so worthy. Until then.

Biju, Bindu, Isaac, & Adam Mathew Lanham, MD (Jan. 23, 2007)
You will truly be missed. We are thankful to God for the time we had with you and know that you will always be with us. We love you Aunty and Chechis!!!

Bobby Chacko Philadelphia, PA (Jan. 23, 2007)
I always enjoyed talking to John Uncle. He never missed an opportunity to say “hello” and ask how I was doing. It’s the smile I always remember. He made me feel welcome at church the few times I attended during my brief stay in DC. I extend the condolences from my family to Aunty, Lal, Indu, Chacko and the whole family.

Elinor Metz Rockville, Md (Jan. 23, 2007)
Dear Lallitha,

I am so sorry to learn of the death of your father. The website is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable man. I know how your heart must ache. I offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Elinor

Rahul Kishore ROCKVILLE, md (Jan. 23, 2007)
His smile and positive attitude will always live on. His support to the community in so many ways will always be remembered.

Lallitha John Bethesda, MD (Jan. 23, 2007)
My father empowered us with the gift of unconditional love. It is an incredible, powerful force that overcomes all obstacles. Wherever I go I know that the love of my Daddy will always be with me.

Oommen Kappil Philadelphia, PA (Jan. 24, 2007)
I met Dr. Thomas John a few years ago at a Sunday School Teachers’ Conference. His humble demeanor and passion for the Church were commendable. I also found out that Abe, one of my best friends, is his nephew.

Our Achen (Rev. Fr. M. K. Kuriakose) and many parish members fondly remember his generosity and hospitality from one of their visits to Washington DC for a fundraising for our parish. I’m sure his soul is with the Lord Almighty. I humbly pray that God comfort his near and dear ones at this difficult time.

Oommen Kappil
(Secretary, St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia.)

Indu John-Abraham Washington, DC (Jan. 24, 2007)
Daddy, our lives will always be full with the love and faith you have given us. Eli will always know that - he will always know you.

THOMAS ALEX CONGERS, NY (Jan. 24, 2007)
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Thomas John. Dr.Thomas John spent a life dedicated to the service of our community and the Orthodox Church. He was a highly intelligent, but humble person. He was lots of fun to talk to.

I have had the great honour and pleasure of knowing Dr. Thomas John personally both here and in our hometown, Kallooppara. I got to know firsthand the many causes he was involved in our hometown to uplift the plight of the poor and the needy.

May God take His servant, into His bosom, and grant him eternal rest.

With prayers,
Thomas Alex

Elissa McCarter Washington, DC (Jan. 24, 2007)
Indu is one of the dearest friends I have. Although I never had the occasion to meet Dr. John, I can only imagine what a kind and loving person he must have been from the beautiful person he created in his daughter. With much sympathy and love to Indu and all of her family.

Mr. Arnold & Benita Slater Germantown, MD (Jan. 24, 2007)
Our family would like to offer our heart felt sympathy to your family at this time.

Bless you
The Slater Family

Judie Deane Bel tsville, Md (Jan. 24, 2007)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this trying time. God be with you all and keep you in His care.

Sarah George Silver Spring, MD (Jan. 24, 2007)
Dearest Aliyan Uncle, I thank God for the time we were able to spend with you over the years. You have been a teacher, an Uncle and a father to all of your nieces and nephews. I will miss your hugs and your smile most. I know that you have joined a host of angels that will watch over and pray for our family in all the things we do together and when we are apart from eachother. Thank you for showing me the true meaning of family and unconditional love. I love you and I miss you.

Saramma

Jayasree Kundu Potomac, MD (Jan. 24, 2007)
Anna and the family members:

It is very saddened to know that one of our community leaders has passed away. Dr. John will be dearly missed by all. I worked with Dr. John on many political causes and always admired his wealth of knowledge.

May his soul rest in peace.

A friend, Jayasree Kundu

Joseph George Silver Spring, MD (Jan. 24, 2007)
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to my dear cousins, nephew, and aunty at this time. My friends have written to me as well and have expressed their condolences. You are always in my prayers.

RWanda Harris Hyattsville, MD (Jan. 24, 2007)
Anna & Gracy

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your love one. May God keep you in his care. My prayers are with you and your family.

Fr. M. K. Kuriakose St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Philadelphia, PA (Jan. 24, 2007)
Dear Ammamma and Makkal:

I am sorry that I could not attend the funeral but I am consoled that I could come on Monday and have a brief prayer with you all.

My parish, St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church sends its deep condolence at this time of bereavement.

Dr. Thomas John will be remembered always.
Lovingly, Fr. M. K. Kuriakose

Geena George Blauvelt, NY (Jan. 25, 2007)
Dear Kunj uncle- although you are no longer here with us, we know that you are in the hands of the angels and are watching over all of us. You will be missed greatly in our family. Kunjanama aunty and my chechis – my deepest condolences, my prayers, and love are with you all.

Jim George SF, CA (Jan. 25, 2007)
Kunj uncle as a 1st generation Indian was an inspiration to all of us second generation kids for all of his achievements. To come here at a time when there were not enough Indians to even consider them a minority and to get the education and accolades he did is amazing. Kunj uncle you will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with you

Sonia (Bitu) Khatri Khurana Atlanta, GA (Jan. 25, 2007)
Dear Anita and the John Family,

Dr. John was a fantastic father as shown through his loving children-who now carry on his legacy.

My prayers and condolences are with you during this sad time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do at all.


Best,

Sonia (Bitu) Khatri Khurana

George Nemcosky Bethesda, MD (Jan. 25, 2007)
I did not know Dr. John personally but have worked with his daughter Lallitha. I can only imagine that Dr. John was a wonderful man by the character of his daughter, "The apple does not fall far from the tree" My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. George Nemcosky

Nikia Mitchell - Lazarus Washington, DC (Jan. 25, 2007)
Lallitha and family, I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Thomas Bethel Joseph Dallas, Tx (Jan. 25, 2007)
The Indian Orthodox community as a whole and being a member of the community in US,I would like to take this oppurtunity to extend my sincere condolence on the occasion of the sad demise of this great soul.The whole Indian Orthodox community in US and the brothers and sisters of this great fleet stand side by side with the family of this beloved soul to extend their sincere mourning to Dr.Thomas John.May his soul rest in peace.

Dr. Doris Peters (UDC Professor) Washington, DC (Jan. 25, 2007)
I knew Dr. Thomas John and respected him highly as a gentleman and as a competent, caring excellent educator. He was an asset to the University.

Bernard Payton Washington, DC (Jan. 25, 2007)
Dr. John was a distinguished member of our faculty and he will be missed.

James, Eve Rozario and Family Dayton, MD (Jan. 25, 2007)
We pray that God brings peace to all of your hearts as we express our deepest sympathy.

Albert R. Davis Washington,, DC (Jan. 25, 2007)
I had known Dr. Thomas John as a friend,employee and mentor for many years while employed at the University of the District of Columbia. He taught,counseled and extended help to all who seeked his knowledge with a gentle greeting and with a smile in meetings and many conferences that had your attention and listening pleasure.

Thomas Abraham Stamford, CT (Jan. 25, 2007)
I convey our hearfelt condolences from the Borad Members of the Global Organization of People of indian Origin (GOPIO), Inc. Thomas was a speaker at one of our conventions held in New Delhi in December 1993.

Last year, we were going to honor him from the Kerala Center for his services to the community. Thomas had agreed to come to New York to receive this award on November 11th Awards Banquet. However, a week before he got the transplant, so could not make it.

May God be with all his family members and I pray his soul to be in peace.

Dr. Thomas Abraham
Chairman, GOPIO

Dollie Ellis Landover, MD (Jan. 25, 2007)
To the family and friends of Dr. John, may the loving memories of him substain you through the days to come. He left a legacy of faith, hope and trust for not only his family but his family at the University of the District of Columbia. May his love continue to grow with each of you in the days to come.
My prayers are with you.
Dollie Ellis, Executive Assistant, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Bose Kuzhikat Beltsville, MD (Jan. 25, 2007)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this trying time. God be with you all and keep you in his care.

Chris Kenworthey Rockville, Ma (Jan. 25, 2007)
Dear Lolitha,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.My deepest condolences.

Sanjeev Varghese West Orange, NJ (Jan. 25, 2007)
condolences!

Sanjeev
Pulippara, Anjimootil
Chengaroor, Kerala

ancy mathew east meadow, ny (Jan. 25, 2007)
deep condolencess

Korason Varghese Plainview, NY (Jan. 25, 2007)
Late Dr.Thomas John showed a path, which many may not able to reach...
American Diocese made tremendous progress today because of his legacy...
He was my mentor and my hero..
deeply missing...
He embodied the true spirit of public service...

savell blaine newark, nj (Jan. 25, 2007)
i am sorry for your lost.

a friend of suma cherian in newark nj umdnj.

Mathai (AniyankunjuDallas) Zachariah Rowlett (Dallas), Tx (Jan. 25, 2007)
Dear Kunjammamma amd Makkal,
We wanted all of you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We send our deepest condolences. Kunju will always be remembered.

Sincerely in Christ,
Mathai Zachariah (Aniyankunju and Ammukutty - Dallas, TX)

Rev. Fr. Alexander Kurien Columbia, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
I love Ammama, Lalitha, Indu, Chaco, Elias, and Anita, and the extended family members very much. To me, he was a father, He was a friend, an advisor for running the day to day administration of the church, dedicated orthodox warrior, a spiritual leader I can count on for leading a reatreat and or a function. I am here praying for God to comfort you provide the stregth and be your refuge. For Achayan, I have no worries as he is sitting with His Heavely Father concerned and praying for our well being - I believe "Christ is risen from the dead, by death He has trampled down death, and on those in the tombs He has bestowed life. My prayers are: “Thou only Creator Who with wisdom profound mercifully orderest
all things, and givest unto all that which is useful, give rest, 0 Lord, to the
soul of Thy servant who has fallen asleep, for he has placed his trust in Thee,
our Maker and Fashioner and our God.” My prayers are - "With the saints give rest, 0 Christ, to the soul of Thy servant where sickness and sorrow are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.” I feel a great void in my heart. Howeevr, I feel his presence with me always. I miss his very dearly. With lots of prayers are love, Your Alexander Kurien Achen

Jeffrey Savett Gaithersburg, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
Lallitha, Alison and I wanted to express our condolences. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.

Haroot Hakopian Gaithersburg, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
Lalitha,

I know words can never truly express the emotions involved with this type of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

Haroot

Joseph Thomas Bangalore, DC (Jan. 26, 2007)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, God be with you all.

Sabu and Bindu

Thomas V I Newark, NJ (Jan. 26, 2007)
Kunj, we miss you. Susan and I will remember the time we spend together, you have a special place in our mind. I am sure a throne is reserved for you in Heaven.

Let Almighty give courage and strenghth to Kunjannama and family in this times.

Susamma and Thomachan,
Vazhamvelil,
Vanmazhy, Pandanad

JOHN CHERIAN THOMAS LANSDOWNE, VA (Jan. 26, 2007)
Dear Kunjannamma, Anitha, Indu and Lalitha:
It is with shock and sorrow that I learned about the passing away of my dear friend, benefactor and a wonderful human being, Professor Thomas John. On occasions like this, I am not good in finding the right words to express my feelings. And, I know that well such expressions may not in any way lessen the angst and hurt that you feel.
On behalf of Ammini, my children Gita and Sarah [the latter was a favorite subject of his conversation whenever we see each other] and their families, and my 98 year Appachan (who has promised to remember you in hi daily prayer), please a accept our deepest sympathies and our heart-felt feelings for the tragic loss. We will hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you move through the process of grieving and healing.


Johnny and Ammini
Kadampanad, Kerala
January 26, 2007.

becky kazebee washington, dc (Jan. 26, 2007)
Dear Anna,

My deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this sad time. May you find comfort in knowing that friends are thinking and holding you close with their love. And may the memories of your time together always keep you in the true spirit of the higher life coming.

Love,
Becky

Abraham and Anna Panackal Philadelphia, PA (Jan. 26, 2007)
Kochamma and family,
We are very sorry about the passing of Kunja Uncle. We know that the void he left in your lives can never be filled, but we hope and pray that God will give you the strength through this difficult time. Kochununny, Mol, & family

Amanda Bannigan Potomac, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
Lally-
My deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
~Amanda~

Cheryl Hackett 12202 Stanfield Ct, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
My family has your family in our prayers daily. I have been a coworker of Mrs.John for over 30 years. I will never forget that the Johns graciously opened their home for my wedding shower 30 years ago. His passion for education and business accumen has always impressed me. God be with you All.

Riki & Michael Gibson Pleasanton, CA (Jan. 26, 2007)
Dear John family,
You will never be without your father,husband,father-in-law or Uncle. Mr John will always echo within your thoughts, your words and your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Riki & Michael

Very Rev. Kaleeckal Mathai Corepiscopos Springfield/Philadelphia, PA (Jan. 26, 2007)
Dr. Thomas John was personally a friend of mine and my family. Also, he was a friend of St. Gregorios Malnkara Orthodox Church, Phila, where he had his close friends, natives, and relatives. He had visited the St. Gregorios Church on several occasions and delivered beautiful and soul searching messages. He made a donation to the Church a few years ago.
He was a respected man with many God-given gifts and well-liked in many ways: an orator, a devotee of God with spiritual orientation, a faithul member of Malakara Orthodox Church, a community leader, a great teacher and a great supporter of American Diocese, in which he served as a lay-trustee.
As St. Paul said, he had fought a good fight, finished the race (of life) and had gone for receiving his reward that the Great Master is keeping for the faithful servant. His Master might say to him "Well done, servant."
On behalf of myself and my family, and all members of St.Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Phila., I express heartfelt condolence to the bereaving family members on the loss of their dear one.

Paul Mathai Cherry Hill, N. (Jan. 26, 2007)
On behalf of St. Gregorious Church, Phila., and my family, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences on the great loss of your beloved family member. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially by our community and by me personnally. May it give you comfort to know that our symphathies, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Regi and Jessy Thomas Princeton, NJ (Jan. 26, 2007)


Rex Thomas Silver Spring, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
My Condolence

K. K. Kumaroo Silver Spring, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
I will miss you. Let me carry with me the fond memories of my association with you & your loving family until the day when my time comes.

Manoj K Kumaroo Gaithersburg, MD (Jan. 26, 2007)
The many times I met you, you have been loving and considerate to me. You treated me with kindness and you respected the abilities in me rather than my disabilties. I shall never forget your smiling face.

Karan Chhina Vienna, VA (Jan. 26, 2007)
Dear Anita,

Our deepest sympathies and well wishes to you and your family. I met your dad many times over the years and he was always very kind. I also heard about him glowingly from you very often and know that he will be dearly missed by all.

Lots of Love, Karan & Fauzea and Family

monzy mani staten island, ny (Jan. 26, 2007)
Our prayers are with the family!!!

Mary Varghese Washington, DC (Jan. 26, 2007)
Aunty, Anita, Lal, Indu, Chacko and Eli ~ Uncle was such a wonderful, kind and generous man. In knowing each of you, it is so clear what a tremendous impact Uncle has had...to read these messages, it is even clearer just how many people he touched. Rejoice in the inspiration that he was and will continue to be for all of us. With deepest sympathy for your loss and for the incredible loss to our entire community...with love and friendship, Mary

Jose Mathew Houston, Tx (Jan. 26, 2007)
Houston

Georgekutty Uncle&Gracy Aunty

Our deepest sympahies with you all at this time. May His soul rest in peace

Jose&Susan
Chathanattu
Kallooppara.

Fr.Geevarghese Erakkath Philadelphia, PA (Jan. 27, 2007)
Our Deepest sympathies on the loss of a great person. Dr.Thomas John will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Fr.Geevarghese Erakkath
John & Daya Kappil
Philadelphia

Thomas Joseph Philadelphia, Pa (Jan. 27, 2007)
Our heartfelt condolences to the berrieving family and fellow parishoners. We lost a good friend, and leader for our diocese and the church.

Thomas Joseph
Treasurer
St. Gregorios Church, Philadelphia

Cindu George San Francisco, CA (Jan. 27, 2007)
Dear Aunty, Anitha, Lal, and Indu-
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kunj uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am soo glad that I got to spend a little time getting to the know the great man your dad is.

Mathew John Lanham, MD (Jan. 27, 2007)
Our Heart felt condolences.

Mathew & Polly

Syro Malankara Catholic Church of Greater Washington.

Susy & Mathew Mathew Silver Spring, MD (Jan. 28, 2007)
Mrs.John,Anita, Lallita & Indu

Sending you thoughts of comfort and peace during your time of sorrow.

Susy, Mathew, Jason, Joyce & Jenny.

MATTACKAL VARGHESE @ SARAKUTTY TRIVANDRUM, KE (Jan. 28, 2007)
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCE, MAY ALMIGHTY GOD COMFORT YOU ALL AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
VARGHESE @ SARAKUTTY, MATTACKAL, HEERA GARDENS,
PANGAPPARA, TRIVANDRUM
695581

Joseph Melookaran CPA Overland Park, KS (Jan. 28, 2007)
I have met Dr. Thomas John only once couple of years ago. But I have heard about a lot of good deeds he had done during his life time. He will missed indeed! I will keep him in my prayers.

Peter Panicker Sterling, VA (Jan. 28, 2007)
We extend to our friends and fellow-parishoners the family of Prof.Thomas John our heartfelt condolences. My first contact with him was because we belong to the same village Kallooppara(in Kerala, India) and he welcomed me to the church and congregation. A truly gracious man, I will miss our Sunday after-service conversations. That he was a man of substance is evidenced in all the thoughts and outpouring that has been heaped on him. It was truly an honor to have known him.

Deidy Scott Rockville, MD (Jan. 29, 2007)
Indu: Nuestras oraciones estan contigo en este momento tan dificil de la muerte de tu padre,que sabemos lo querias tanto. Por lo que he leido fue un gran hombre y seguro estaba muy orgulloso de todas sus hijas! Que Dios lo tenga a su lado. Sinceramente

M. Caridad Araujo Washington, DC (Jan. 29, 2007)
Dear Indu,

My thoughts have been with you and your family in these very difficult times. I have confidence you will find the strength and the wisdom to overcome this terrible sadness and fill your heart with love and memories from your dad.

Love,

Caridad

Blessen Samuel Orangeburg, NY (Jan. 29, 2007)
Kunjuncle,

One of the most cherished memories of my childhood were those huge family gatherings that you would arrange for all of us. You showed us the true importance and meaning of love and family, along with the meaning of being a Christian. I thank you for enabling us to spend such quality time and making us a tighter-knit family. Everytime I think of you, I have this image in my head taken from a picture of everyone at one of those family gatherings, and you in the middle with your arms stretched around family members. That picture of you speaks words, like you were exclaiming "This is MY family". I thank you Kunjuncle, and will try my best to carry on your legacy, and please watch over all us down here.

Abe George Fairfax, VA (Jan. 31, 2007)
We do experience the depth of losing Kunjichachy more and more as days pass by. I experienced the same thing when Appicha passed away. All through my life I have learned a lot from Kunjichachy - lessons that I am applying in my everyday life. We have been working together on many projects recently - establishing the Virginia St. Mary's church, writing a memoir, managing some construction in India, etc. He was well organized and focused even during his illness. We will miss him very much.

Ammamma, Anita, Lalu, and Indu - I hope you will find peace in the thought that he is with God. His life will continue through ours. I am sure Eli's smile is the last snapshot he has taken from this world.

Abe, Jessy, Appu, Arun

Carol Benesh North Potomac, MD (Feb. 01, 2007)
Dear Lallitha,
My sincere sympathy is extended to you and your wonderful family.

Shibu & Sindhu Thomas West Orange, NJ (Feb. 01, 2007)
Dear Ammama & family,
Sending you thoughts of comfort and peace during your time of sorrow.
We cherish our recent visit to Maryland in December and the time we got to spend with Uncle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Shibu & Sindhu Thomas, Ammama & kids.

Annie W. Neal Nashville, TN (Feb. 03, 2007)
I worked with Dr. Johnn in the late 70's at Federal City then UDC in the Urban Staff Development Lab. My prayers ar with you all, Annie

Randy Reynolds Jr Richmond, VA (Feb. 06, 2007)
Very sorry for your loss. We were hoping to meet with Dr. John to discuss join business activities in Louisa. Very sorry to hear about his death.

Randy

Abe Zachariah Vienna, VA (Feb. 07, 2007)
Uncle has been in my thoughts these past weeks. It is amazing how involved and energetic he was in this world, and still he managed to make his family feel loved beyond compare and the priority in his life. Just wanted to say thanks for the friendship of the John family and for being responsible for bringing my family to DC when I was a kid. You were like our only family when we moved here and stayed with you until our apartment was ready. I forget many things as I get older, but I remember the warmth of your hospitality and the special place your family will always have in my family's heart.

Love,
Abe, Bindhu, Noah, and Jay

Chorbishop Dr. Kuriakos Thottupuram Chicago, IL (Feb. 23, 2007)
Dear Kunjannamma and and beloved Girls of Kunju:
You lost a wonderful husband and father, and I lost a great friend. Now he is with Christ and sharing eternity with the rest of God's children. He was great in everything he was doing. My prayers for the repose of his soul! I also pray for all of you.

Love & Prayers.
+Chor-Episcopos Dr.Kuriakos THottupuram of Chicago

Thomas Chennikara Fairfax, VA (Feb. 27, 2007)
Though I have known Dr. Thomas John only briefly, he left a lasting impression on me with his gracious demeanor.

Tomsy & Latha

Keni George Bethany, Ok (Mar. 01, 2007)
It appears to me that we missed a great indian american

Koshy Ben Thomas Burtonsville, MD (Mar. 02, 2007)
He treated each individual with great respect, no matter their age,
It was a classic example of his demeanor…being so wise, a true sage;

We knew when he spoke we were in for an exciting, coherent message, almost a thriller,
As we realized what a large foundation he was in our church, just as a building pillar;

A man strong and steadfast like an iron bottle,
He was…is…and will be… a stellar role model;


Brad Mazon West Seneca, NY (Oct. 22, 2008)
I'm getting to know my dear friend Lallitha more as the years go by. By reading about her father, I have gained more insights into what makes her "tick." It is clear that she inherited many of her father's most wonderful attributes! He must have been a wonderful man.