Obituary of Ittiyavirah Korah

Obituary of Ittiyavirah Korah

January 30, 1957 - June 19, 2025

Our beloved Ittiyavirah Korah, also known as Aby/Ittrachen, was laid to rest to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 19th, 2025 in the morning at his lovely home. He was 68 years old when he passed away peacefully as a devoted husband, loving father of three daughters, cherished brother of twelve siblings, and a man of deep faith and boundless generosity.

Born on January 30, 1957, in Kanjirappally Kerala, India to late PK Korah and late Mariakutty Korah of Puthenkaduppil family, Ittiyavirah lived a life full of passion, purpose, and principle. As a dreamer with an extraordinary imagination, he was never afraid to follow his heart. Whether it was establishing three businesses in India starting at a young age of 19 years old, or performing in front of a crowd, he poured his soul into everything he did. His love for music, arts and theater led him to act in films after college, fulfilling his lifelong passion to inspire and entertain. But his greatest role was that of a provider and protector. Ittiyavirah was deeply committed to his family, always making sure everyone was well taken care of. He was always present, had sacrificial love and was the quiet strength behind every meal on the table and every dream pursued by his children. His love was constant and his care was unwavering.

Ittiyavirah was the eleventh of thirteen children and had a unique personality that drew people towards him. He was an active member of the St. Dominics Church in Kanjirappally Kerala, India in his youth and was well loved by his local community members. He married Jessy Abraham on April 20, 1987 and had three children -- Ammu, Anna, and Amala. Ittiyavirah moved to America in 2001 and was an entrepreneur in which he started Kerala Kitchen on Hillside Avenue in 2002 -- one of the first authentic South Indian restaurants in New York. His love for food and cooking with the passion to advance his business showed throughout the community. As the restaurant started to become successful, the popular exploration Malayalam TV channel known as Safari TV broadcasted Kerala Kitchen to be part of the travelogue program called Sanchari in New York, U.S.  

He was a man of unshakeable faith in Christ and raised his family in a home built on prayer, love, and grace. He encouraged those around him to grow in their relationship with God and ensured that his children had a strong spiritual foundation. He also made sure that they had a solid education to stand confidently in the world. Ittiyavirah radiated positivity. His generosity knew no bounds. He had a rare ability to uplift others--especially in their darkest moments--like a lighthouse guiding ships to shore. His presence brought comfort, and his words brought life. He mirrored God’s forgiving love by extending grace and tenderness toward everyone.

Ittiyavirah is survived by his beloved wife, Jessy Abraham, and his children Ammu, Anna and Nithin, and Amala, whom he treasured above all. He also leaves behind his many loving siblings: Elsy, Sister Cleta (Mary), Sister Adele (Lily), Sister Loredana (Rose), Sarasu (deceased), Sojan, Babu (deceased), Selinose, George, Kunjanamma, Lucy, and Rani, and his numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. His legacy is one of love, faith, and light -- a life lived fully for others and for God. During his final days, he was a living testament of God's presence as he showed unwavering faith to God’s will. He was surrounded by extreme happiness, joy, and love from his family and friends. Please continue to uphold the family in your thoughts and prayers.