Saju Mathew

Saju Kannankuzyathu was born in Kerala, India on May 7th 1966, to parents Professor K.M. Oonnitten (Sunny Sir) and Rajamma Oonnitten (born Abraham).

He and his brother, Abey, were brought up in his hometown, Ranni. Saju began his educational journey at MSHSS Ranny, Mar Ivanious College, Trivandrum, pursued B. Com at St. Thomas College, Ranny, and later completed his Diploma in Business Management at Madras Christian College, Chennai.

After graduating, he married his wife Rejeena, and moved to America. Here, they carved a life for themselves on Long Island in New York. He and Rejeena had their first child, Oonni in 1994, his daughter Chothi, in 1996, and his third child Thommu, in 2003. Their family often visited his dad’s sister, whom he called Kunjaunty, and her family in New Jersey. They also spent a lot of time in Brentwood with Rejeena’s side of the family, and Saju was close with all of his in-laws.

In America, he quickly became involved in his parish at the Knanaya Syrian Orthodox Church, to which he became a leader. He served as the joint secretary to the North American Knanaya Community. He was instrumental in the foundation of churches all across America, becoming a pillar in the community. His efforts will be appreciated and respected for generations to come.

The incredible man he was could never be boiled down to a few traits, but if they could the most renowned among them would be his compassion and his wit. He shared his love and intelligence with all those around him, and ingrained them into his children. He was always there to lend a hand to those who needed it, especially his family and his fellow church members. He was also always the life of the party. At every gathering, you could always find him sporting a wide smile and cracking jokes to all those around him, and you could hear his loud laugh from miles away.

Saju is survived by his loving wife, Rejeena Mathew (born Thomas), his three children, Arjun Oonni Mathew, Chothi Elizabeth Mathew, and Kyle Thommu Mathew, his parents K.M. Oonnitten and Rajamma Oonnitten, and his brother and family, Dr. Abey Abraham, Dr. Sneha Elcy Jacob, Aleena Elizabeth Abraham (Ponnu) and Mathew Abraham (Machu).

He’s looking down from Heaven and watching over us all. We love you and we miss you so much Appa.