Johnnie Joseph Nedungattu's Obituary
Johnnie Nedungattu, 79, of Pearland, TX, passed away from T-cell lymphoma on July 27, 2025, with his son by his side.
Born on August 26, 1945, to Joseph and Annakutty Nedungattu, he is survived by his only child, Joseph Johnnie, his daughter-in-law, Jennifer, his grandchildren, Jude and Aurora-Rose; and his eight younger siblings: James, Sr. Cicily, Sr. Theresa (Lily), Jose, Maria, Stanley, George, and Fr. Vincent. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Johnnie, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage.
Johnnie was born to an agricultural family in Vazhakulam, Kerala, India, which raised livestock and grew multiple types of produce and spices, with expertise in tapping rubber. Farming turned into a seventy-plus-year relationship with plants, gardening, and landscaping for him. Still, it also developed an attention to small details and consistency, which manifested in other aspects of his life.
He was a good volleyball player growing up in India, but his disciplined focus on fundamentals made him an even better women's volleyball coach in Zambia, where his teams won multiple championships. He continued to stay involved with the sport as a reliable referee for high school and recreational volleyball leagues from Wisconsin to Texas.
Professionally, he came full circle—his meticulous diligence carried him from creating raw materials for rubber as a boy in India to working in research and development on some of the world's most advanced adhesives for two decades at Henkel Corporation.
In retirement, when his wife became blind, sick, and disabled, he dedicated a decade to serving as her primary caregiver. His care was so persistent and devoted that she lived many years beyond what many expected, even as he developed cancer himself.
Johnnie will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through the quiet consistency he brought to everything he touched—from rubber trees to research labs to the people he loved.
Visitation with the family will begin from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 8, 2025, with Complimentary Valet at Joseph Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street, Houston, Texas. Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM, and the eulogy will be delivered at 8:00 PM.
For the livestreamed visitation, please CLICK HERE
On the day of the funeral, Open Casket will begin at 9:00 AM and the Mass will start at 9:30 AM, Saturday, August 9, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam Street, Houston, Texas.
For the livestreamed funeral mass, please CLICK HERE
There will be no burial ceremony afterwards in accordance with Johnnie’s request for cremation.
A brunch reception will begin immediately following the funeral mass at Brennan's of Houston, 3300 Smith Street, Houston, Texas.
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