Daniel Manalel John

Daniel (Jojan), beloved husband of Annamma John and father of Rajesh and Suresh John, was born on December 30, 1940 the eldest son of his late parents John and Kunjamma Daniel. Daniel belongs to Manalel family (Thuruthyil) from Kottayam, Kerala, India and is brother to Daniel Mohan and sister to late Elizabeth Thomas (Chinnu). He was married on May 3, 1971 to Annamma Varghese of Thattayil House from Puthencavu, Kerala. Daniel attended MT Seminary High School (Kottayam, Kerala) were he exceled in the sciences. He attained his BSc in Mathematics from Kerala University, his MSc in Mathematics and Statistics from Agra University (Agra, India) and his MBA from St. Johns University (Queens, New York). He was a Chartered Accountant (India) and a Certified Public Accountant (USA) with AICWA & IRS certifications. Daniel started his career as a Professor of Mathematics Mar Athanssius College (Kothamangalam, Kerala) and moved to finance and management roles at Shaw Wallace (Madras, India). After immigrating to the US in 1971, Daniel joined CARE International and then moved to Dairy Lee (Tuscan Dairy Farms) in CFO staff functions. In 1980 he took the bold step and became an entrepreneur by founding J&J Graphics/Print Express, a commercial and retail printing company. He is well known for owning and operating Maharani Indian Restaurants, pioneering Indian cuisine into northern New Jersey. Daniel was a deeply religious person who grew up in the CSI tradition, initially at the Ascension Church (Kanjikuzhy, Kottayam, Kerala). He was the catalyst in forming the first CSI Congregation in New York in 1978; as-well-as supported multiple congregations in the greater NY tri-state region and most recently a member of Christ CSI Church, Tappan, New York. Daniel was an outstanding multi-sport athlete and avid soccer and tennis fan from childhood. He played university level for both sports and continued his active interest and community support for tennis throughout his life. Daniel was involved with numerous community, ethnic, and political organizations having served on leadership roles with Federation of Indian Associations, Kerala Samajam of Greater NYC, Kerala Cultural Form (NJ), and multiple Bergen County Chambers of Commerce. Most recently he started a local chapter of Toast Masters to promote better oratory communication skills. During his life Daniel has been instrumental in supporting hundreds of family and friends to achieve the American Dream. He will be remembered for his larger than life personality, great kindness and generosity by all who knew him. Daniel was highly regarded as a versatile organizer and trusted confidant. He was relied upon heavily by his family and friends, thus his passing leaves an irreplaceable void. His vibrant personality, infectious optimism, and marks of his footprints will remain eternally. Daniel is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughter-in-laws (Shiny and Gwen), six grandchildren (Jacob, James, Parker, Emily, Hannah, and Andrew); as well as greater family and friends both near and far.

Daniel Manalel John

December 30, 1940 - January 6, 2014