Fairfax, Virginia: John C. Thomas, one of the earliest Malayalee residents in the Washington area, passed away on April 27th. 

John Cherian Thomas was born on May 27th, 1940 in Kadampanad, to Cherian and Mariamma Thomas. He was the oldest of three sisters and one brother. 

After he finished his high school, he moved to Pune seeking better paying work to support his family. He received his BA and MA in Economics from Pune University. He got married to Mary Thomas in 1964 and has two daughters. He was affectionately called Johnny by his friends and family. 

Johnny came to US in January of 1974 to study for his MBA from Howard University and worked at Indian State Research Organization in the Indian Embassy. After receiving his MBA, he became an assistant to the Dean of Howard University. He then brought his wife and two daughters to the US. 

He continued his hard work and became the Director of Financial and Administrative affairs for college of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University. During this time, he was able to bring many of his family to America. He retired in August 2005. 

Johnny was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) which greatly affected his health and immobilized him. Even though his body was deteriorating, he was still greatly invested in trying to help people and providing guidance. He is affectionately remembered by his loved ones for being caring and encouraged everyone he knew to continue their education. 

Johnny passed away peacefully at home and made his heavenly journey on April 27th, 2016. Johnny is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Gita and Sarah, sons in law Shaji and Steve, and, his five grandchildren Priya, Joshua, Conor, Hannah, and Kamala. He is also survived by his sisters and brother and all his many nephews and nieces. 

The viewing is scheduled at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home (9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, 22032) on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral will be in India at his home church in Kadampanad. 

The family can be reached at 703-851-7017.