Obituary of Kochummen Kochummen

Obituary Kochummen Kochummen, 75, of Manor Heights, passed away on December 19, 2023, while visiting Kerala, India. He was the beloved husband of Leelamma Kochummen for 52 years, loving father of Julie and her husband Binoy, his late son Jubin and his wife Elna, and Julian and his wife Sherril; loving grandfather of Asher, Diya, Adave, (late) Noah, Naomi and Serina; dear brother of Mariamma Francis, the late Kochukoshy Kochummen, the late Kochumman Geevarghese, and the late Saramma Koshy. He was also the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews and their extended families. Mr. Kochummen was born in Kundara Veliyakampayil, Kerala India on March 14, 1948. He joined the Indian Air Force in 1966 at the age of 18, served in the 1971 India Pakistan War, earning the Pashchmi Star, Sangram Medal and Long Service medals. He received a diploma in Mechanical Engineering (which he utilized when working on Russian MIG fighter planes) and rose to the rank of Sergeant. After serving 15 years of exemplary and exceptional service in the air force and not satisfied with early retirement, he became principal of Mount Carmel Ashram Trade Institute (fka as ITA) in Kollam, Kerala. Mr. Kochummen immigrated to the United States in 1984, settling in Staten Island where he worked for the NYC MTA for 23 years. Continuing his lifelong commitment to the Church in India (shown by his laying of the cornerstone of his family Church in Kundara), he was a founding member and held multiple leadership roles as a member of Mar Gregorios Orthodox Syrian Church of India. A dedicated and loyal member of the Malayali community on Staten Island, he was one of the founding members of the Kerala Samajam and held several terms as its President. His enthusiastic dedication to the arts and culture of Kerala, was reflected in his performances in local plays and cultural programs. Mr. Kochummen took great pride in being part of this community and truly enjoyed participating in its achievements over the decades he lived here: whether it was a family milestone like a wedding or graduation, church or community event, or as simple as a new job or favorite cricket team win, he let people know he supported and celebrated them. He is part of a generation of Kerala immigrants to Staten Island who planted deep roots in this community for generations to come and we thank him for his undying dedication.