Appusamy was married in October of 1947 when he was 25 years old to Padmavati. His first child, Jaganath, was born on January 30, 1949. His second child, Srinivas, was born on May 12, 1950. His daughter, Prema was born on September 14, 1956.
All three children were educated in Bombay while Appusamy was stationed there with Air India, in schools where English was the medium of instruction. They grew up in Bombay until they were in college–sharing their home with extended family and cousins whenever needed.
His older son, Jaganath, studied Medicine in India, got married in 1974 to Vasu Devi, and then came to Illinois, USA, to do his Residency. After he finished he came to Los Angeles and pursued his career. Jaganath has 2 daughters, Vidya and Ashvini. His second son, Srinivas, studied Engineering in India and then got accepted to Wharton’s MBA Program, at University of Pennsylvania. He then went back to India and has been an entrepreneur. He got married in 1975 to Soumini and has a daughter and a son, Sandhya and Vishnu. Appusamy’s daughter, Prema, studied Economics and was married in 1978 to Ramanathan. They came to USA to New York and then to Los Angeles. They have 2 daughters, Anusha and Vinitha.
The saddest period of his life was when his wife passed away due to medical complications in 1972. When his wife passed away, it was a very critical time for his children and for him. But they all pulled together and made it through this tragedy. It was very difficult for him to plan for all 3 children, while Prema was graduating from High School, Srinivas was almost done with Engineering and Jaganath was still in medical school. Although he had family to turn to, he felt that his 3 children also turned to each other and he felt more confident with his decisions with their maturity.
Appusamy was deeply affected when his older brother Govindarajulu passed away in 1990, and younger brother Ramasamy passed away in 2009. He also lost a nephew Venkatesh in 1998. He always found it difficult when people he knew passed away but he offered whatever strength he could to anyone he comforted. In just holding hands, he passed on his warmth and comfort.
After he retired, he spent his years traveling to stay with his children, shuttling between California and Chennai, India. He spent time with his 6 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, countless nieces, nephews, and their families, making sure that everyone felt his warm embrace. He did his best to be there for all of his family, in any way he could, and was ever ready with a helping hand and a cheerful smile to greet anyone he met or came to his door.
Appusamy kept in touch with old colleagues, extended family and their children, calling and visiting everyone in his growing address book over the years. He was very organized and planned every day and every trip in great detail, down to the minute. He would ask and keep tabs on birthdays and anniversaries, buying cards and mailing them so they arrived just in time. He walked 4 miles a day for several decades, enjoyed a drink with friends and recollecting memories, and loved to have a coffee or a meal while hearing of anyone’s news and life changes.
Appusamy passed away at home on May 24th, 2014 at the age of 91 in Chennai, India. He is survived by his 3 children and their spouses, 1 younger brother and sister, 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 13 nieces and nephews, and all their families. He will remain Thatha, Uncle and Anna to many more families and loved ones than we can count. He will live on in the memories of Family, Friends and Colleagues.