Kompankeri VV Kuruvilla

Kompankeri Vazhappallil Varughese Kuruvilla, often called by his favorite nickname, KV, was born to Korula Varughese and Mariamma on April 29, 1928 in Kompankeri, Kerala. He was 96 years old when he stepped into eternity on January 20, 2025, in Yardley, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of nine siblings. He is survived by three brothers and four sisters - K.V. Abraham, Cherian Varghese, K.V. Varghese, Achamma George, Saramma John, Rajamma Mathai, Aleykutty Thomas. The two sisters who preceded him to eternity are Molly Samuel and Annamma Thomas.

 His childhood was spent in Kompankeri, and being the oldest, he often assisted his mother in the kitchen. He later blossomed into an excellent cook, and his legendary fish curry (Kerala cuisine) became a favorite in his family for generations to come. His food, along with the humor, celebration, fun and laughter that he brought to life enabled him to build deep and loving relationships with his nieces and nephews, and with his ever-growing network of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

 He graduated from Perumbavoor Ashram School and thereafter, he proceeded to study at Thevara College for a brief period before he left. He began working in construction at Hirakud Dam in Orissa, the longest earthen dam in the world. From 1956 to 1964, he worked as a diesel mechanic for the Kuwait Oil Company. It was during that time that he met and married Aleyamma Abraham, on April 30, 1959. Together, they had three children: Shelin, Sathish and Suresh.  The family moved to Mulakuzha in 1964, the village where his wife grew up. In 1980, he migrated to the United States and became a part of his brother’s family (K.V. Abraham). In the process, he gained a new name, Cha, short for Acha. He worked in Jackson, Wisconsin for 11 years before retiring. As an immigrant, he provided a pathway to bring his family to America. He was six days shy of his 45th anniversary of migrating to the US when he went to be with Jesus Christ. 

 KV developed a deep connection with God during his time in Wisconsin. After his wife the late Aleyamma Kuruvilla joined him in the States in 1989, KV was baptized by Pastor Chuck at TPM Church in Chicago. KV and his wife, along with their entire family became founding members of LEF (Living Epistle Fellowship) Church in Indiana in 1998. KV and Aleyamma spent their retirement with their family helping to raise their grandchildren.  He was a loving and caring husband to her before she preceded him to eternity on May 19, 2012.

His three children and their spouses — Shelin and Mathews; Sathish and Dr. Jiss; and Suresh and Mini — gave him four granddaughters and one grandson: Dr. Serena Mathews (Maxwell Cabello and their sons, Avrah and Felix), Dr. Chessia Thomas (Daniel Thomas and their daughter, Aleya), Dr. Sarah Sunny (Stanley Sunny and their daughter, Layla), the Late Joel Kuruvilla and Hannah Kuruvilla. KV had a special relationship with his only grandson, Joel, who preceded him to eternity on February 16, 2020.  He was blessed to meet his youngest great-granddaughter, Aleya, just days before he passed into eternity. 

 KV loved to travel, even going on a cruise to Alaska at age 94. He loved fishing, gardening, cooking, hosting family and friends and working on special projects. He loved to bless others monetarily as well as with his time and effort. He lived out his faith in action at Manna House, a church based food pantry in South Bend, Indiana where he served his community. As KV entered his 10th decade, starting 2018, he made several trips to North India along with his son Sathish Kuruvilla. He loved to serve in missions to help underprivileged families and children.

KV, also lovingly called Appachen (grandpa) by everyone, was full of life, always finding new ways to share his love of adventures and his joy with others. He had a special way of connecting with adults and children alike. KV was a man of character, with a deep-seated faith in God, who touched and influenced countless lives. Perhaps the most important lesson he taught us was how to age gracefully with deep love and care for everyone around.

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