Varughese Kurian

Varughese Kurian, affectionately known to his loved ones as Sajeev or Sajichayan, was born on November 20, 1956 in Kidangannur, Kerala, India. Born to the late K.C and Aleyamma Kurian of the Kochukadamthottil family in Chengannur, Kerala, Sajeev was the eldest of three brothers.

In 1966, Sajeev’s family moved to Ullanoor, Kulanada, Kerala where his parents established a new home and named it Sajeevalayam, after him. In 1975 when Sajeev’s father unexpectedly passed away, Sajeev stepped up to take on the responsibility of caring for his mother and younger brothers.

After completing his education at N.S.S. Boys High School in Pandalam, Sajeev attended Mar Ivanios College in Trivandrum, Kerala, where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Physics and minored in Chemistry and Mathematics. He continued his higher studies, earning his M.S. degree in Physics at the University of Kanpur. In 1979, Sajeev moved to Mumbai, Maharashtra and took a position as a Physics lecturer at Jai Hind College Churchgate. While there, he also earned his post-graduate diploma in Computer Science.

In 1982, family members introduced Sajeev to his wife, Deena Kurian, whom he married just two weeks later in Chembur, Mumbai. Shortly after marriage, Sajeev received opportunities to teach abroad at Our Own English High School and then at Cambridge High School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A year later, Deena accepted a nursing position and joined Sajeev abroad in the UAE, where the couple settled for nine years. There, they were blessed with two children: Vinu in 1985 and Sheryl in 1987. In addition to teaching, Sajeev started a family business that allowed him to sponsor his two younger brothers and mother to join him abroad.

Sajeev, Deena, and their children immigrated to Houston, Texas, USA in 1991, where Sajeev pursued studies in Nuclear Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. The family relocated to Maryland in 1993 where he attended John Hopkins University and earned a dual-degree masters through the School of Public Health. Once Sajeev was established in his career, he was able to bring his mother, brothers, and their families abroad to the USA.

Sajeev worked as a Medical Physicist at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital and as a Senior Health Physicist at both the Washington Hospital Center and at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). He also served as a private consultant for various radiology centers. Sajeev retired in 2019 as a Project Manager from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Sajeev spent his retired life enjoying many hobbies: traveling the world with his beloved wife, spending quality time with his grandsons, gardening, exploring various financial investments, discussing current events as he had a passion for both Indian and American politics, and keeping in touch with family and friends from around the world.

As a man of strong faith, Sajeev showed his love for the church by taking membership in an Indian Orthodox church in each place he settled. Once in Maryland, Sajeev served as one of the founding members of the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Baltimore, over 25 years ago. Sajeev was an active committee member during the church’s initial construction and again during its recent renovations.

Sajeev was known for his infectious smile, warmth, and his unconditional love for his family and friends. His greatest qualities were his self-sacrificing character and desire to help others. He had a generous heart and always gave without expecting anything in return. His greatest joys were witnessing the successes of his family and friends. He has made a positive impact on the lives of many and his legacy will continue to live on.

Although he experienced many serious health issues in his lifetime, he was a fighter. Sajeev passed away after suffering a heart attack on August 17, 2023. He was surrounded by his family and friends until the very end. He is survived by his doting wife of 41 years Deena Kurian, children Vinu (Tina) Kurian and Sheryl (Arjun) Achreja, grandchildren Elijah Kurian and Arjay Achreja, brothers Joseph Kurian and Sabu Kurian and their families. We are grateful for the time we had with him and the wonderful memories he leaves behind. Although we mourn his passing, we are at ease knowing that he is free of pain and at peace with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Service Details and Links to Live Streams:

The Viewing Service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 4pm-8pm EST. 

St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Baltimore 7321 Windsor Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21244

For viewers in India: Saturday, August 26 1:30am-5:30am

For viewers in UAE: Saturday, August 26 12am-4:30am

The Funeral and Burial Services will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 9am-12pm EST. 

St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Baltimore 7321 Windsor Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21244

For viewers in India: Saturday August 26 6:30pm-9:30pm

For viewers in UAE: Saturday August 26 5pm-8pm

Flowers: 

If you wish to send flowers to the family in memory of Varughese (Sajeev) Kurian, please place orders by 12pm EST on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

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