John Bernard

John Bernard Kanjirathingal, our beloved “Joe Uncle” (aka “Jungle” aka “Jungle Uncle”) was born in Thrissur, India on May 1, 1926. Hunger and poverty forced him to drop out of school at age 14 and take a grueling full-time job in a textile factory earning only a dollar a day. This early difficult experience inspired him to stand against all forms of injustice and cruelty for the next eight decades. Joe answered the calling of the priesthood in 1959, wearing the humble robe of a Franciscan priest for 12 years. Feeling that he was not doing enough to help his fellow man, he cast off the priestly robe, moved to the United States, completed two graduate degrees and became a social worker and hypnotherapist. In 1972, he married the apple of his eye Ammal. Two sons soon came along, first Ron and then Donnie.

Jungle Uncle knew as well as anyone that the world can indeed be a jungle. But he endeavored his entire life, all the way until his final days, to turn that jungle into a decent and civilized place, through his kindness, generosity, humor, and an unmistakable commitment to his family, his friends, his community and God.

John Bernard is survived by Ammal, Ron, Donnie, daughter-in-law Apexa and grandsons Zane and Zachary.