John Thomas Wattachanackal

April 6, 1939 - January 30, 2021

Dr. John (Joy) Thomas Wattachanackal, 81, son of W.C Thomas and E.J. Anna, loving brother to 5 brothers and 2 sisters, went to be with the Lord on January 30th, 2021. Born in Njaliyakuzhy Kerala, India, he and his family lived in the U.S. for 51 years. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Mercy, his children, Anu & Ronnie, Renu & Vijay and Jomy & Hector.  He had the great privilege of being a grandfather to Andrew & Lola, Olivia, Evan, Devan and Maya, as well as a great-grandfather to Sofia.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews all around the world. Joy was a social worker by profession but devoted his life to help people in his community, especially the sick, disabled and elderly. Joy worked at Lakeview Lutheran Church and later retired from the Chicago Board of Education.Due to COVID-19, services will be private at Mt. Emblem Cemetery.  To view the funeral service virtually, please email/call [email protected] or (630)561-1467.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. https://gifts.mdanderson.org/