Obituary of George Varughese

George Varughese, lovingly known as Aniachayan, was born on July 30, 1948, in Puthupully, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The second of six children born to his beloved parents, Varkey and Aleyamma Pothen, he was raised in a Christian home where faith and family took root early — the two loves that would anchor and guide him for the whole of his life.

Aniachayan attended Lehman College and built a distinguished career as a CPA, serving with the New York Power Authority while also running his own private tax practice. For many of you, that practice was more than a service; it was the start of a friendship that would last decades. 

On September 21, 1974, Aniachayan married Mariamma Chacko (Lilly), in Yonkers, NY. Together they were blessed with three children — Dennis, Don, and Joyce, eventually settling in Manhasset Hills, NY.

Above all else, Aniachayan loved his family. He treasured his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his siblings, and his vast extended family beyond anything this world could offer, and there was nothing he would not do for the people he loved. To know him was to feel that love — generous, steady, and entirely without condition.

A devoted member of Calvary Faith Tabernacle, Aniachayan loved the Lord and His church with his whole heart. He had a gift for the garden, finding deep joy in tending the soil and savoring the fruits of the land. He loved to travel and to take in everything the world had to offer — and, as many of you well know, he was a true connoisseur of a good burger. Though his body and his health did not always cooperate, he carried the spirit of a teenager: eager to do everything, go everywhere, and embrace every one of God's blessings with open arms.

On June 7, 2026, the Lord called Aniachayan home. He passed peacefully in his sleep, freed at last from every earthly affliction and welcomed into the arms of his Savior.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lilly; his sons, Dennis and Don, and their families; his daughter, Joyce, and her family; and his cherished grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings — Aleyamma John (Molly), O.P. Jacob (Sunny), Sam Philip, and Andrews Philip (Kunju) — and each of their families. He now rejoins his brother, O.P. Thomas (Jose), who was promoted to glory in 2025 and is lovingly survived by his family.

Aniachayan was deeply loved and profoundly respected by all who knew him. His absence will be felt every day, but the love he gave so freely will remain with us always.