In a communique released to Salesian India, Provincial of New Delhi Fr Davis Maniparamben writes, “With deep sorrow, I  inform you that Fr. Joseph Chittattukalam went to his heavenly abode early this morning (27.11.2022). He died of a heart attack in the Delhi Airport. He was traveling to Kolkata.”

He was 82 years old.

Currently his body is kept in the mortuary of Holy Family Hospital, Okhala till his funeral on Wednesday 2.p.m.

Narrating the circumstances of his sudden death, New Delhi Salesian Provincial Secretary Fr P.D. Varghese says, “Fr Chittattukalam was traveling to Kolkata for a meeting of his alumni of Don Bosco Liluah where he was rector and principal from 1979 to 1985.”

Fr Varghese adds, “ Fr Chittattukalam had already boarded the flight to Kolkata when he collapsed and was rushed to airport hospital where he was declared brought dead.”

On arrival in Kolkata, “He had informed that he would be reaching Don Bosco Park Circus by noon to attend a group gathering of Don Bosco Liluah Past Pupils and returning to Delhi on Monday,” says Bursar of Don Bosco Park Circus Fr John Puthiyedathuchalil.

One of his grief stricken students, CEO of Church Art Kolkata Mr Subrata Ganguly says, “I am shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of our dear Fr C.A. Joseph. As usual, I had arranged a car to pick him up from the airport.”

Fr Chittattukalam was one of the first Salesians of Kolkata province to complete Journalism and Communication studies from Xavier Institute of Mass Communications Bombay in 1978.

Fr Chittattukalam was also coordinator of centenary celebration of the archdiocese of Calcutta in 1986 during the tenure of Jesuit archbishop Lawrence Cardinal Trevor Picachy of Calcutta

In 1997 when New Delhi Salesian Province was carved out of Calcutta province Fr Chittattukalam joined New Delhi province and served as Rector in New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. END