Rev. Dr. Simon Chacko Kottoor

Simon Kottoor, son of Chacko and Anna Kottoor, was born in Kattachira, Kerala on September, 02, 1923. After his early education in Kattachira and Kidangoor, he attended St. Thomas College in Trichur, Kerala where he obtained his B.A. In 1947, Simon moved to Rome, Italy to study at the Propaganda Pontifical Seminary for priesthood and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on July 2, 1952. He continued his studies in Italy to study the Doctor of Sacred Theology where he obtained his doctorate in 1954. Following his 7 years in Italy and a brief residency in Kerala, Rev. Dr. Simon Kottoor moved to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1957. Dr. Kottoor obtained a Masters’ degree (MA Hons) in Economics from St. Francis Xavier University in 1959. Dr. Kottoor returned to India and was appointed a professorship in Economics at B.C.M College in Kottayam, Kerala. He continued his career in education at St. Stephen's College in Uzhavoor, Kerala where he served as principal from 1968 until his retirement in 1976.

In 1977, Simon Kottoor married his beloved Kochuthresia Muthukattil of Madampam and later became the loving father of their 2 children Jimon and Jimol. Simon and Kochuthresia settled their family in San Jose, CA in 1986 where they enjoyed the next 28 years raising their children, expanding their family with the addition of Pinky Kottoor (wife of Jimon) and Mark Moonesinghe (husband of Jimol), and welcoming their 5 beautiful grandchildren to the world. Simon Kottoor was the very proud grandfather of Nathaniel Moonesinghe, Malachi Moonesinghe, Makayla Moonesinghe, Maliha Kottoor and Ellora Kottoor. In 2014, Simon and Kochuthresia moved to Dallas, TX to live with their daughter Jimol and family.

Simon Kottoor dedicated his life to bettering himself and the world around him. He was a committed civic leader who opened a new post office, established new electricity connections and improved drinking water infrastructure in his home town of Kattachira. He was an active voice in helping community members with college admissions, obtaining employment, and various community philanthropic projects. He has students, friends and well-wishers all over the world. Peacefully at his home with his family by his side, he passed away in Frisco, Texas on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the age of 94.

The influence and impact he has had on those who came across his path cannot be fully expressed. His sense of humor, intellect, and sweet loving nature will forever live in our hearts. Simon Kottoor will be deeply missed by his family, friends, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and students all over the world.

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble”

1 Peter 3:8