Monsignor Joseph C. Chacko Cherukattuparambil, of Somerville, New Jersey, was born on November 27, 1940, in Kottayam, Kerala, India, the eldest of ten children born to Miriam Abraham and Chacko Joseph.

He began his religious formation with divinity training in a baccalaureate program conducted by the Italian Salesians in Rome, Italy. He later completed three years of classical philosophy under the Belgian Jesuits in India, graduating with highest honors in 1964. Monsignor Chacko continued his theological studies and received his degree in Sacred Theology in 1968 from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Nagpur, India, under the guidance of the Irish Dominicans.

He was ordained to the priesthood on October 22, 1968, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Following his ordination, he served as Associate Pastor in Jabalpur, where he also engaged in extensive mission work throughout the region.

In 1976, Monsignor Chacko earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Sociology from Saint Francis Xavier University in Canada. That same year, he came to the United States and entered a Master's program in Counseling at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

He served for two years as an Associate Pastor in the Diocese of Metuchen and for twelve years as a hospital chaplain in the surrounding area before entering the United States Air Force in 1989 as a chaplain. He served on active duty from 1989 to 1991 and continued his service with the Archdiocese for the Military Services until 1998. Monsignor Chacko was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force on April 9, 1998, with the rank of Captain.

Following his military service, he returned to chaplaincy ministry, serving at the VA hospitals in Lyons and East Orange. He also assisted in various parishes throughout the Diocese of Metuchen. After more than 25 years of dedicated ministry, he retired but continued his service by assisting at St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish in Bound Brook and Sacred Heart Parish in Manville. He also faithfully ministered to residents in need at three local nursing homes.

Fr. Chacko visited the Diocese of Tuguegarao, Philippines each summer and supported their many missions. During his priesthood he set up Foundations for the poor throughout Asia and he was promoted to  Monsignor at the recommendation of Archbishop Talamayan, Philippines .

Monsignor Chacko was a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.

He is survived by six brothers: C.J. Abraham, C.J. Joseph, C.J. Xavier, and C.J. Alexander, all of Kottayam, Kerala, India; Fr. C.J. Matthew of West Bengal, India; and C.J. Thomas of Bergenfield, New Jersey. He is also survived by two vowed sisters, Sr. Melanie of St. Joseph’s Convent in Sehora, India, and Sr. Eugenie of Bhopal, India.

He was predeceased by his parents and a young sister.

Monsignor Chacko also leaves behind his American family of 30 years: Lisa Ann, Terri Marie, Michael Andrew, David Lee, and Patti Ann Leinenbach, who will dearly miss their beloved brother and friend.

Viewing will take place on Friday, March 13, from 6 - 9 PM at Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ.

Funeral Mass, Saturday, March 14, 11 AM at St. Mary's Church, 201 Vosseler Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ.

Interment - Sacred Heart Cemetery, 1096 Millstone River Road, Hillsborough, NJ.