I offer my deep condolences to Dr. Assefa Tekle’s family and friends and a wish of comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Dr. Assefa was  my older brother, Yohannes Stefanos’,  friend and contemporary.   When my brother Danny sent me the Obit, I was reminded of the fond memories I had of Dr. Assefa Tekle, his gentle father Colonel Tekle Goyshu (my father loved him) and his mother, mama Zewdi.  I saw the photo gallery, the early photos of friends that included my brother Gashe Yohannes and other friends and contemporaries--Gashe Kidane Tikku (deceased),  Gashe Assefa Legesse, and others.  These photos, I believe, were taken at the Dr. Assefa’s wedding and other outings.  Those fond memories of that long-lost period came flooding in my mind.  I was a young girl then and I thought all these friends of my brother were like dashing stars.  Dr. Assefa was among the best and brightest who was among the first batch of individuals to go abroad for higher education and excelled in their chosen profession in Ethiopia.  Dr. Assefa was among the first if not a handful of medical doctors, who were non-Europeans to practice in Ethiopia.   My brother Yohannes is now about 93, lives in Jersey City, and is in a failing health.  I will let him know about his friend’s passing.  Alas, life in diaspora does not allow us the opportunity to connect.  I have not seen Dr. Assefa since I left Ethiopia in 1963, although for a while Amare and I have been in contact. 
By vivid recollection of Dr. Assefa was through my mother.  She adored him.  She had the highest regard for him and thought that he was a remarkable young man then.  She used to talk about how he saw her once walking in Gulelle, and as he was passing in his car to go to work (I believe at Institute Pastor) he stopped his car and insisted that he give her a ride to wherever she was going.  She used to say he was gracious and honorable.  She blessed him all the time.
Well, I believe, he lived a blessed life and a fruitful one.

Like many of my peers of the fifties and sixties, I grew up trying to emulate the high educational standard and cultural finesse represented by the ilkes of Assefa Tekle. Assefa added his own sense of humour and an attachment to Eritrean culture perhaps best expressed by his surprising mastery of the kuda and sbra, something that added a local flavour to his cosmopolitan background. He was a pioneer and a role model for many. I extend my condolences to the Tekle family, also on behalf of the Tesfai family, whose friendship and mutual respect still endures.
 
Alemseged Tesfai

I have known Dr Asefa in ST Mary’s church for the last 10 years. He was my wonderful brother in GOD’s house and a person with humor. He is one of highly respected person by the congregations and will be missed by all of us. May be he at rest, Amen 

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this message from the Araya Assefa family in Cape Town, South Africa. Gash Assefa was a legend in all our eyes- an uncle, a close cousin and a very dear friend for very many years. Memories that come flooding back to my father during their days in Zambia is the laughter. good old banter about their days in Ethiopia that they left behind; tere sega, cold beers and the long card games that went on very late into the night. Again they would cross paths in Nairobi, Kenya when they decided to drive all the way into Uganda so as to have the most time to talk, laugh and just be in each others company filled with love. 
Our deepest condolences to Eteye Marie, Kidest, Tsion, Sable and Merid and their entire family. May the all mighty give you strength and peace at this very trying time. Our prayers and thoughts and love are with all of you. May Gash Assefa’s Soul Rest in Eternal Peace

Our sincerest condolences to the family of Gash Aseffa.  We sent our heartfelt prayers and blessing during this challenging time.  May God continue to watch over each of you.

Gash Aseffa was not only our father’s best friend, he was also a wonderful father figure to us. He will be deeply missed.

Our father, Ketema Desta, and Gash Aseffa were friends since high school and continued their friendship for over 50 years. Gash Aseffa and Etye Marie were even married the same day as our parents at Kidus Sellassie Church sitting next to each other. As our mother, Workinesh Gulilat, remembered fondly, work lunch gatherings were full of laughter and memorable. Both couples named their first born daughters Kidest as a sign of their amazing bond. They passed that bond to their children whom have remained close friends for life. For Seble and Woubayehu, spending a rotation of a month from one house to another during summer break was an unforgettable memory.

During our father’s final days, Gash Aseffa’s phone calls reminiscing about their good old days were the highlight of the day for our father. We are so grateful to Gash Aseffa for his gift of humor and time to our father.

As we mourn Gash Aseffa in this sad time, we pray that all his family and friends are comforted knowing that he was loved by so many.

Memory Eternal to Gash Aseffa.

Lots of love
Ketema’s family


My deepest condolences to this wonderful family.  Mr. Tekle was a kind and friendly gentleman.  May he rest in peace 🙏🏼

OBITUARY

Aseffa Tekle

October 24, 1932 – July 5, 2023

Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home

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Burial at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington after church service