Joseph was the second son of Thoman Kottoor, Kidanoor and Aley Mutholath, Cherpunkal. He became a priest in the Diocese of Madras -Mylapore. Fr. Thomas Kottoor was a dedicated missionary and worked hard for the good of the poor. He constructed churches and schools in the diocese. He was loved well by his people.
He expired on January 15, 1996 in Madras. His funeral was held in Madras in the presence of a huge crowd officiated by the Bishop of Madras and many priests of the diocese.