Joseph Vargise

Mother Teresa was quoted saying, 'we can do no great things; only small things with great love.' Joseph Vargise (fondly known as Geekutty) lived his life with great love and when he died at home on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 he left a legacy of love with his family who was gathered by his side. He was 73.

Joseph was born on November 11, 1940 in Kerala, India - a son of the late Varkey and Sosamma (Oommen) Varghese. Raised and educated in India, he taught for many years as a professor at Fathima College in Quilon, Kerala. In 1970 he immigrated to the United States eventually settling in Waltham in 1978. Professionally, he worked in the insurance industry for Ahold USA. He married Valsa Varghese on May 12, 1969.

Fun loving by nature, he embraced life and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Mahatma Ghandi said, 'Where there is love there is life' and in the final analysis perhaps this best summarizes the life of Joseph Vargise. Proud of his Kerala heritage, he was instrumental in helping establish K.A.N.E (Kerala Association of New England) where he was a longtime and active member. As an adopted son of New England, he was an avid sports fan and loved following New England sports, especially the Celtics and Patriots. He kept his mind active and was always reading and staying current on events and news.

Joseph is predeceased by his brother, Oomen Varghese.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Valsa, he leaves his children, Geeva Ebens and her husband, Heiko, of Forest Hills, New York and Geejo Vargise and his wife, Carolyn, of Framingham, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Ari and Max Ebens and Penelope and Timothy Vargise; his brother, George Varghese of Bangalore, India and Leyamma Antony of Kerala, India; many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joseph's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 8 p.m. The procession will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday morning before leaving for Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church, Renovation Fund, 133 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451.