Selvakumar (“Kumar”) Joseph Theivendran Newton passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 6th, 2023, in his 78th year. He was the eldest son of the late Victor Newton and the late Selvamalar Newton (née Arulambalam). He was the beloved brother of Anthony “Jeya”, Peter “Aria”, Daniel “Nesa” (Rosabelle, née Simon-Rasiah), and Ratnakumar “Seelan” Newton. He treasured his role as the eldest sibling, and he was their mentor, protector, and friend throughout his life. Having grown up in a family of boys, he doted on his sisters-in-law and thought of them as his sisters. He was a proud uncle to Tanya, Angalika, Adrian, Anushka, Amesh, Naomi, Callum, Evan, and Liam. He treasured his relationships with his 33 first cousins and their children, and prided himself on his role as the eldest grandchild on his maternal side. Family was of the utmost importance to Kumar, and he was always the first person to welcome each new member with open arms and words of love. He was seen as the pillar of his family and was instrumental in organizing elaborately themed reunions to strengthen ties across generations, perpetuate Sri Lankan Tamil traditions, and celebrate the legacy of his ancestors.
Kumar was a giver—the first person to come to the aid of anyone in need, whether it be a relative, friend, colleague, neighbor, or stranger. As a young adult, he worked multiple jobs to support his mother and brothers, affording them the opportunities to pursue higher education and establish successful careers of their own. Throughout his life, he quietly and cheerfully made numerous personal sacrifices out of love for those around him.
When introducing himself, Kumar would always start by saying, “I’m a math teacher.” After graduating from St. John’s College in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, he obtained his degree in mathematics from Spicer Memorial College in Puna, India, and subsequently completed his master’s degree at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He served as the vice principal of Berean Christian Junior Academy in Atlanta, GA, and taught high school mathematics for many years at Cathedral City High School in California. Kumar maintained a lifelong passion for education and was beloved by his students for his frank, “tough love” teaching style and his ability to simplify complex concepts in creative and entertaining ways. Kumar had a passion for mentoring students whose socioeconomic backgrounds prevented them from even dreaming about pursuing higher education; he did everything possible to ensure that such students were not only able to graduate from high school but were also able to become the first members of their families to attend university. For many years, he headed Cathedral City High School’s chapter of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college preparedness program. He often used his own funds to take his students on tours of college campuses or purchase educational materials. He was determined to see every student succeed, and he regularly offered free tutoring services and “scholarships” (for which he was the anonymous benefactor) to those who were struggling academically and financially. Even after he retired, Kumar maintained his passion for teaching. He led Sunday School classes at his church in Palm Springs, California, including a lecture series, entitled, “The Artist’s Way,” which focused on the wonders of God’s creation. He held “Socratic” debate sessions during family reunions, and regularly provided career advice and encouragement to his nieces and nephews. He looked at the world through a teacher’s eyes, and he had a knack for discovering and drawing out an individual’s unique talents and strengths.
Kumar was an artist at heart. He loved music and theater. He sang in the church choir and, as a child, he frequently put on one-man shows to entertain his siblings. He particularly enjoyed musical theater. He would jump at any chance to see the latest Broadway show or local theater production, and regularly listened to Broadway soundtracks at home. He was a true movie buff and often organized late-night binge-watching sessions during visits with family. He particularly loved Bollywood productions and was captivated by their visual and musical beauty.
He was also an avid gardener and nature lover, who created a peaceful oasis with an extensive aviary in the backyard of his Palm Springs home. Kumar felt closest to God while outdoors, and he could often be found praying, singing Tamil Hymns, and meditating on scripture passages while sitting by his pool on a sunny day or looking up at the stars on a clear night. Kumar would be the first to tell you that his life was filled with challenges, but through it all, his faith never wavered. He recited Psalm 91 daily, and in his final moments, he stated that he was ready to go to his home in heaven.
Kumar will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his zest for life, his creativity, his servant’s heart, and his ability to love deeply and unconditionally. Although he will be dearly missed, he will live on in our hearts and memories, and in the work that he accomplished during his rich and full life. We have no doubt that he is watching over us from his heavenly home, whispering his characteristic farewell: “Peace, Kumar.”Kumar Newton’s funeral service will be held in the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church (address listed below) at 5 pm EST. A viewing will be held prior to the service, at 4 pm EST. A dinner reception in the church fellowship hall will follow the funeral service.The funeral will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend. To access the livestream of the funeral service, viewers may go to the Faith Lutheran Church North Palm Beach YouTube Channel (Link: https://www.youtube.com/@faithlutheranchurchnorthpa3966).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to either:

Faith Lutheran Church
555 US Highway 1 North
North Palm Beach, FL 3340
(561)-848-4737

or

Jesus Family Church
951 West Side Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201)-432-9156