Mathai V. Thomas, affectionately known as Baby, was born on March 14, 1949 to TM and Aleyamma Mathew in Kerala, India.

In 1970, after completing high school, Baby entered the Indian Air Force serving as a cable specialist, sending and translating morse code messages for missions. On May 12,1973, he married Annamma (Kunjumol) Thomas, and the following year, took the journey of a lifetime by moving to New York City, and welcoming their first child, Elizabeth (Jessie), in 1976. Baby and Kunjumol lived in northern Manhattan and the Bronx, finding comfort and friendships with members of the Malayalee community who similarly were experiencing the joys, adventures, and obstacles of assimilating in America. Baby found great strength and fellowship with that community and was one of the early members of the first Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in America.

In the early 1980s, he realized the American dream through pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit and becoming an owner of Meineke Mufflers in the Bronx, New York. He was soon lovingly referred to by the nickname “Meineke Baby”, with his business becoming a hub for those who needed their cars repaired, or simply a place to stop by to take a break while traveling through the Bronx. He and Kunjumol also became homeowners, settling in Teaneck, NJ so they could be close to their jobs in the Bronx while also near family. In 1983 and 1985, they welcomed their children, Cheryl and Reggie, into the world.

Baby was not only a provider but a pillar of support for others. His compassionate spirit shone through as he and Kunjumol opened their home to siblings, cousins, and nephews from India, providing them the opportunity to also build their lives in America. He served as a family elder, often serving as the hub of information and connections between India and America. His generosity and kindness created a ripple effect, leaving an enduring legacy of hope and opportunity

Baby was an active member of St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of Yonkers, serving in different capacities including as a former Trustee and Committee member. He found joy and excitement as the initial community he benefited from and nurtured in the 1970s became larger and more dynamic. His friendships grew in size and became much deeper, often serving as a trusted advisor for those who more recently immigrated to America.

After more than 25 years of the physically demanding work of running Meineke, he retired in 2008 to pursue his next dream – building a home for he and Kunjumol to retreat to in India.

Although Baby had an active professional and social life, he found no greater strength and joy than the roles of husband, father, and grandfather. His grandsons Jonah, Jacob, Jaiden, and Kameron gave him an outlet for even greater love, often ending every conversation or departure with “Appachen loves you so much!”

Baby is survived by his wife Kunjumol, children Jessie, Cheryl, Reggie, Ben, and Anil, grandchildren Jonah, Jacob, Jaiden, Kameron, and countless friends and family. 

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