Patrick A. Joshua

Patrick Joshua, son of Late Dr. Joshua and Elizabeth Athmakoori, was born on February 17, 1935 in Hanamakonda, AP, India. He was fourth among seven sibling s, brother of Emmanuel, John, Philip, Esther, Premalatha, and Daisy. Raised in a Christian family, he was a dedicated child of God who truly served the Lord all his life. He was married to Mary Philip, daughter of Mr. Mathai and Saramma Philip, Maymana house of Kulthupuzha, Kerala, on May 23, 1966. Patrick and Mary lived a happy family life, busy in the church and community affairs.

Patrick was educated and worked in Hyderabad and Hanamkonda as a Community Health Officer for the government of India from 1958-1997 while Mary worked as a nurse. He was also an Honorary Medical Administrator in Hanamkonda Mission Hospital. Thereafter, Mary migrated to the United States in 1990, and was joined by Patrick in 1993. The whole family was reunited in the U. S. in 1997.

Patrick was saved and fully baptized at a young age. His grandparents, Rangaiah and Mana Athamkoori were pioneer missionaries and founders of Baptist Church in Hanamkonda. His parents carried forth their legacy faithfully. Patrick continued their work in the vineyard of the Lord, being a gospel bearer and a strong pillar in the church by serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sunday school teacher, family counselor and preacher. He worked with many outreach programs among the tribal people, built and supported churches, sent numerous people to Bible College. He preached the gospel and ministered to the un-churched in prisons and streets. He generously gave to the poor and played an important role in establishing schools and an orphanage.

Patrick was a good friend, and a great musician. He was part of the family troupe, where he and his siblings played Christian music for the glory of God. He was one of the founders of the BYF, Bible Youth Fellowship of the Hanamkonda Baptist Church. He pioneered and instilled good values and morals by example. He was a faithful and honest man of God who wholeheartedly served the Lord.

A 28 year cancer survivor, Patrick overcame many obstacles, including lung fibrosis which made him dependent on continuous oxygen for the past two years. Throughout his ordeals, he never complained and always praised God in everything.

Patrick was a member of Grace Assembly of God, Spring Valley, NY and was actively involved in the Telugu community and spoke at various Telugu churches in New Jersey and New York. In the year 2012, Patrick‘s final contribution was in establishing and building Grace Church in Chilkamma Thanda, among the Lambadi tribal people, in memory of his parents. He was loved by all who knew him and will be cherished forever. He has left behind a great legacy.

Patrick was a very devoted husband, a wonderful father and a loving grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters, Sarah Leslie and Salome Benjamin, sons-in-law, Leslie Kommu, Benjamin Israel, and grandchildren, Patricia and Paul Leslie, and Daniel, David and Joel Benjamin. He is also survived by his sisters Esther Abraham, Premalatha Victor, and Daisy Kamlaker in India.