Tsegaye Mekonnen

Born in Ethiopia on August 22, 1943 he was the son of Aster (Seifu) Mekonnen and the late Maru Mekonnen.

His schooling included a Certificate in Business from the American Institute in Ethiopia, a Diploma of Management Methodology from Italy, an Associate Degree from the Bunker Hill Community College and Bachelor of Science from Boston State College.

Professionally, from 1963-1967 Mr. Mekonnen was a Personnel Officer, Public Manager and Labor Inspector for Saint George Brewery in Ethiopia. From 1968-1974 he was a Lineman for American Biltrite in Chelsea. He also owned and managed a Property and Security Agency and managed a Taxi Industry in Chelsea. Most recently, he served as a Councilman for the City of Chelsea.

Extremely active within the Chelsea community, Mr. Mekonnen was a member of the City of Chelsea Democratic Committee in which he was Ward 4 Chairperson and Outreach Officer; President of Chelsea Kiwanis Club and a member of International Kiwanis; Served on the City of Chelsea Planning Board, Community Development Board, and MBTA Advisory Board; Member and Treasurer of the Chelsea Council on Aging; served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of the Chamber Appreciation Award;

served as a member on the Drug Task Force of Chelsea; founder of the County Rd, Basset St., and Reynolds Ave. Homeowner’s Assoc.; founder of the Chelsea Homeowner’s Assoc.; member of Neighbors Against Blight (NAB); served on the Board of Directors of Chelsea Main Street for the development of downtown; and was a member of the National Assoc. for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In addition to his wife, Ernestine Mekonnen, he is survived by his mother, Aster ( Seafu) Mekonnen; his son, Alexander Mekonnen; six sisters, Sehin, York, Meaza, Woudensh, Elizabeth, and Hanah; and his brother, Haile Mekonnen. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 at 10 AM at the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA followed by burial in Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston. Friends and relatives respectfully invited to attend. Arrangements under the direction of Boston Harborside Home of J.S. Waterman-Langone, 580 Commercial Street, Boston, MA.

Arrangements under the direction of Boston Harborside Home of JS Waterman & Son-Waring-Langone, Boston, MA.