Abebe Woldeamanuel

MR. ABEBE WOLDEAMANUEL (ABE) was born on February 28, 1960, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to his father Mr. Woldeamanuel Fule and his mother Mrs. Abebech Bulicha. He completed his elementary schooling in 1971 at Wessen Seged Elementary School. Upon completing 10th grade at Kolfe Comprehensive High School, he took part in the Ethiopian National Campaign (Zemecha). Abe later excelled in his secondary school education at the Nativity Catholic Cathedral High School, where he passed the Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination (ESLCE) with distinction in 1980. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Addis Ababa University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1983. Throughout his time at the university, he was an exemplary academic, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA in his freshman year, setting the stage for his continued success. He began his professional journey in 1983 with the Ethiopian Planning Commission in Addis Ababa, serving in various roles and leaving a meaningful mark, particularly in the field of education. While working at the commission, Abe was awarded a merit-based scholarship to pursue graduate studies at Penn State University in the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree in economics and Demography in 1990. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering love and continuous dedication to Ethiopia. Upon finishing his education, he relocated from Pennsylvania to Baltimore, where he began forging new friendships and laying the groundwork for his eventual career. Abe started working as a parking supervisor in pursuit of the American dream, where rather than viewing the job as a mere stepping-stone, he saw it as an opportunity to build valuable relationships and experience. Through dedication and a positive mindset, he eventually earned a management position, demonstrating that with the right attitude, success is achievable regardless of where you start. Abe’s next career move was to join the Maryland State Government as a budget analyst. Through his depth of knowledge in budget and economics, he was continuously promoted and at the point of his retirement had achieved the position of Deputy Director of Budget for the Department of Human Services, proving yet again with hard work, persistence, and a positive attitude, success is possible. During his over 25 years of public service, Abe was very well-liked and respected by his colleagues and supervisors and had received several awards of recognition. Abe was a warm and sociable person who played an active role in building community. He served for many years as a dedicated board member of Mekane Selame Eyesus Cathedral. Abe also had a deep love for social gatherings and devoted himself wholeheartedly to strengthening his mahber (a close-knit circle of friends). Most unforgettable was his annual Super Bowl party—a cherished tradition where people from all walks of life came together, forging lasting friendships, and memories that spanned generations. He was the heart of his circle, bringing friends and family together through countless gatherings and he nurtured strong, meaningful connections with his friends – a bond forged in friendship, strengthened by time, and now indistinguishable from family. In his spare time, Abe was a deeply devoted and discerning reader, immersing himself in literature with both passion and rigor. His shelves were lined with works spanning genres, eras, and philosophies, reflecting a lifelong intellectual pursuit that extended far beyond casual interest. Abe’s profound love for reading fueled a remarkable breadth of knowledge and insight, enabling him to engage thoughtfully across a wide range of subjects. He was not only well-read but also a true lateral thinker, able to draw connections between disparate ideas with clarity and originality. His wife jokingly says his true love was books. Abe was married to his long-time sweetheart Tiruwork Lemma Shurte (Tiru) in 1997 in Baltimore. Together they welcomed their son Mathias (Matty) on May 2, 2003. Their marriage was filled with love, joy and strength. They built an admirable, loving, warm, and welcoming family. Abe with his wife Tiru, have always been incredibly proud to celebrate their son Matty and his remarkable achievements as he graduates from Johns Hopkins University. Abe and Tiru tirelessly worked to instill an appreciation for hard work, dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence in their son Matty as they guided him through one of the nation’s most rigorous academic programs. Abe was proud and eager to see his son not only distinguish himself academically but also grow into a thoughtful, driven, and compassionate young man, ready to make a meaningful impact in the world and he could not have been more excited for all that lies ahead for him. With deep sorrow, we share that Abe fell ill suddenly and was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he received care for over two weeks. He passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 65. Abe is survived by his beloved wife, Tiru; his cherished son, Matti; his brother, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many dear family members, friends and members of the community. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Tributes

Abebe Woldeamanuel

February 18, 1960 - May 10, 2025