Dr. Getachew Gabre

Dr. Getachew Gabre, age 81, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Born in Robe, Arsi, Ethiopia, Dr. Getachew spent his early years in his homeland before moving to Greece for education. In 1974, he immigrated to the United States and made Huntsville, Alabama his home in 1980—a place where he would raise his family and build a career.

Dr. Getachew completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering as well as a Doctor of Science in Structural Engineering degree in the United States. He served nearly two decades as an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Alabama A&M University and also taught as an adjunct professor at Oakwood College. As a consummate engineer in Ethiopia, Dr. Getachew supervised site construction for a myriad of facilities, to include banks and schools.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Getachew greatly cherished time with his family. He was a 45-year member of Calvary United Pentecostal Church in Meridianville, Alabama, where he served faithfully teaching Sunday morning services and leading Wednesday night Bible studies. If you ever met or spoke to Dr. Getachew, it would not take long before the conversation would turn to the goodness of God and the many miracles he had witnessed the Lord perform in his own life. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge of the Bible, reading and studying the New Testament in its original Greek, and researching and examining multiple biblical versions and commentaries. Dr. Getachew truly lived out his Christian faith with his humble and gentle spirit.

Dr. Getachew was preceded in death by his parents, Ato Gabre Ashami and Woizero Amelework Bedasso; siblings Mr. Kebede Gabre and wife, Ms. Kibe (children Ms. Tenaye, Ms. Kibe, Mr. Mesfin, Mrs. Aster, Mrs. Nigist, Mrs. Senait, Mr. Theodros, Ms. Jerusalem, Mrs. Selam, Mrs. Seble, Mr. Daniel, and Ms. Mekde), and Mr. Bogale Gabre and wife Ms. Batenash (children Ms. Tsehai and Ms. Mesert).

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Dr. Helen Gabre; his children, Mr. Sami Ali, Ms. Reem Ali, Mr. Levi Gabre and wife Mrs. Michelle, Mr. Nathan Gabre and wife Mrs. Lakia, and Dr. Ezra Gabre; and his cherished grandchildren: Benjamin, Asher, Micah, and Ezekiel. He is also survived by Ms. Ehite Gabre and husband Mr. Kassu (children Dr. Aschalew and wife Mrs. Lulu, Mr. Derje, Ms. Serkalem, Mr. Erimias, Dr. Redahegn and wife Mrs. Bethlehem), Dr. Teshome Gabre and wife Dr. Gete (children Dr. Beminet and husband Mr. Petros (child Caleb) and Dr. Joel and wife Dr. Bethel, Ms. Zenebech Gabre and husband Mr. Cherkos (children Ms. Genet, Mr. Mehari, Mr. Temesgen, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Yoseph, Mrs. Emnet, Mrs. Bethlehem, Mr. Eyasu), Ms. Asnakech Gabre and husband Mr. Terefe (children Mrs. Roman, Mr. Theodros, Mr. Samson), Mr. Alemayehu Beyene and wife Mrs. Genet, Ms. Yolanda George and husband Mr. Ahmed, Dr. Tesfaye Gabre and wife Mrs. Fire, Mr. Demissew Gabre and wife Mrs. Tirsit (children Robel, Amy, Anna), Ms. Almaz Gabre, and Ms. Kidist Tsegaye.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Valhalla Funeral Home. Services will take place at Calvary United Pentecostal Church on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow immediately at Valhalla Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse (https://samaritanspurse.org), in memoriam.