V. T. Zacharias

Vadakethalackal Thomas Zacharias (Kariachen), 83, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 10, 2016. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and children. Zacharias was born in West Chennamkary, Kerala State, India on January 21, 1933 to Thomas Joseph Cherukodu and Annamma Thomas. He graduated with degrees in Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph's College, Trichy, India in 1957, Bachelor of Education from Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum, India in 1959, and a Master of Education from Meston College, Madras, India in 1961. Zacharias was engaged in teaching at schools and colleges in India from 1957 to 1997. He was a lecturer and professor at St. Thomas College of Education, Pala for about thirty years. He was a Fulbright scholar from India to the U.S. in 1970-71. He guided and inspired many of his students and associates during his lifetime. Following his retirement from teaching service in India, he moved to the U.S and worked as a tax auditor at the Oklahoma State Tax Commission for more than 10 years till 2012. Zacharias is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cecily (Lilly), his children, Thomas Zacharias and wife Susan (Norman, Oklahoma), Sebastian Zacharias and wife Alexandra (Queens, New York), Sylvia Kariampuzha and husband George (Tyler, Texas), and Soni Zacharias and wife Linda (Edmond, Oklahoma); grandchildren Chris, Maria, Sharon, William, Maria, Joe, Nathan, and Thomas; two sisters, Thresiamma of Bangalore, India, Sister Cecilyamma of Vazhapally, India; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.