Obituary of James O. Joseph

James Oravanakalam Joseph

New Hyde Park – James Joseph, 80, was taken to the Lord on February 5, 2026. He passed peacefully surrounded by family at Mary Ann Tully Hospice.

He was born June 10, 1945 to the late Joseph Oravanakalam and Annamma Joseph in Kumarakom, Kerala. He was the youngest of 5, two brothers and two sisters, who loved and spoiled their baby brother. After high school he joined the Indian Air Force. Serving honorably and with commendation for 15 years.

In 1972, he married Elizabeth Kurien, daughter of Gee Varghese Kalathivila and Rahel Ommen. Soon after, they moved overseas to the United States to start their new life in Brooklyn, New York. Later to be joined by his daughters, Betsy and Blessy. As part of the American Dream, they moved to their own home in New Hyde Park in 1986.

James worked for the New York City Transit Authority, initially as a storeroom clerk and then as a conductor on the F train. After many dedicated services he retired in 2007.

James enjoyed reading and loved listening to music. Whether it was in English, Malayalam or Hindi, he loved them all. His smile and genuine kindness shone through and was appreciated by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter Betsy and Son-In-Law Christopher Forbes, and daughter, Rahel (Blessy). He was their light, the glue that held them together with love, laughter and faith. He will be missed dearly. The only consolation is knowing he is happily surrounded by his family in heaven.

In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Associaton in James' name. Please click this link to donate:

https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNYAFYQDKA?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&utm_s_subsrc=giving_google_brand_alz_donations&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1707986387&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1o_4k0fGVuCT1fbovEzcSE_X&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4pvMBhDYARIsAGfgwvxy0TUXc7mLvos1LXur7btLbIV60MMYArLWS0-IjtIpZw1ueF0MhfoaAp8VEALw_wcB