Abraham Ittiavira Niravath

With immeasurable love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Abraham Niravath, who died peacefully on August 1, 2025 at the age of 76.  Born on June 1, 1949 in the small village of Monippally, Kerala, Abraham was the beloved son of the late Mathan and Mariyam Niravath.  From the beginning, he stood out for his brilliance and determination.   He routinely topped all of his classes through grade school and at TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  

He then bravely forged his own path as one of the first few in his village to pursue advanced education abroad.  Together with his lifelong friend and confidant, Francis Uralil, he earned his Masters Degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – a bold leap that would profoundly affect the rest of his life, as well as the lives of so many after him.  

Soon after, he married his beloved wife, Molly (Chathampadathil); they were among the earliest Knanaya immigrants to Los Angeles, California.  Abraham’s natural leadership and magnetic spirit led him to become the co-founder and first president of the Knanaya Catholic Congress of North America (KCCNA).  He remained a pillar of the community throughout his life – a visionary, mentor, and tireless advocate for others.  His generosity of spirit, wisdom, and quiet strength touched countless lives, not only through his leadership but through the many individuals he personally guided, supported, and loved.  

In his professional life, he built a long and successful career as a metallurgical engineer at Rocketdyne, where he worked for more than 25 years.  He later moved to Houston and worked for NASA as a consultant.   His colleagues all knew and respected him for his truly formidable expertise, but it was his warmth, humility, and heartfelt “belly laugh” that could light up a room and endear him to so many.   

However, those fortunate few who were blessed to call him family will forever carry him in their hearts for his infinite love and generosity.  He gave endlessly of himself, never once expecting anything in return.  He cared for his siblings, children, nephews, and nieces with tireless concern and affection; his pioneering and visionary force in the family has left an indelible mark on the Niravath Family and led to the immense success and happiness of so many.  He. Lifted. Generations. 

Although Abraham’s physical presence will no longer grace our lives, his love will continue to inspire and benefit all those whom he touched.  May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.  

He is survived by the true love of his life, Molly Niravath; his daughters, Marilyn and Polly Niravath; son-in-law Tarun Chandrasekar; his cherished grandchildren Sandhya and Priya Chandrasekhar.  He is also forever loved by his siblings:  late Lukose and Annamma Niravath, Late Mathai and Aleykutty Niravath, Late Fr. Stephen Niravath, Sr. Stephen Mary (Holy Family Convent), Late Sr. Lucy Mathews (Visitation Convent), Sicily and Cherian Kattiparambil (Bangalore). 

A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Houston Knanaya Catholic Society, 2210 Staffordshire Rd. Missouri City, Texas 77489, at 6:00pm.  A Prayer Service will follow from 8:30pm to 9:00pm.  A second Visitation will be held following day, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, 6400 W. Fuqua St. Missouri City, Texas 77489, at 8:15am followed by the Funeral Mass at 9:00am.  Burial will follow at 12:00pm at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

Thank you for visiting this memorial web page. Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.