Appeal for funds to help family of Indian American man who died in Connecticut

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Sasidharan Ponnan, 60, died on May 10, 2020 at Yale New Heaven hospital in Connecticut after a battle with recently diagnosed end stage lung cancer.

Mr. Ponnan is survived by his wife Prasanna and two children.  He was a wonderful husband and a loving father to his children.

Originally from Varkala, Kerala, India, Mr. Ponnan emigrated to Connecticut almost 25 years ago to start a new life and was employed locally. He and his wife worked at the same company at different shifts to support the family.

A press release from the Malayalee Association of Southern Connecticut (MASCONN) said, “Sasidharan was loved by everyone who knew him and will be terribly missed.”

It added: “His sudden illness and treatment has put the family in a dire situation and with the loss of life, the family has nowhere to turn to other than the community for upcoming funeral, memorial service, medical bills, kids’ education and temporary on rent cost.

“Most members of MASCONN community know him as Sasichettan who always showed his presence in every Onam and Christmas celebration in the past 10 years. He always attended the MASCONN events enthusiastically and encouraged his children to embrace Indian heritage and culture.

“At this time as a community, we would like to support his wife and their children in the best possible manner during this difficult time. His family is still coming to grips with his passing and they do not have much financial help in the US,” MASCONN said.

Funeral services for Mr. Ponnan, according to Hindu rites and traditions, will be conducted on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at 9:00 AM, at: Luddy Funeral Home/Brookside Crematory, located at 453 Christian Lane, Berlin, CT.

MASCONN has started a fundraising drive to help the family of Mr. Ponnan. Those who wish to donate to the cause can do so at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-and-funeral-for-sasidharan