Mathai Thomas (Baby), 74, of Teaneck, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Annamma. Devoted father of Reggie Thomas, Elizabeth (Anil) Chacko, Cheryl (Benedict) Varghese. Cherished grandfather of Jonah, Jacob, Jaiden and Kameron. Dear brother of Annamma Chacko, VM Mathew, Abraham Mathew, and Raji Roy.
Mathai was born in Kerala, India to T.M Mathew and Aleyamma Mathew. In May 1973, he married Annamma Thomas, and in the following year, moved to New York to start a new life together.
In the early 80s, he achieved the American dream by becoming a homeowner in Teaneck, NJ and pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit by becoming an owner of Meineke Mufflers in Bronx, NY, where he was lovingly referred to by the Indian Malayalee community as “Meineke Baby,” retiring in 2008.
Following retirement, he pursued his passion of building a house in Kumbanad, India where he and his wife could spend time with their families back home.
Visiting will be held on Thursday, December 7th, 5:00 – 9:00 PM at St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church, 56 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington, NJ. Funeral Service will be held at the Church on Friday, December 8th, 9:00 AM. Interment Garden of Memories, Township of Washington, NJ.