Tesfaye Fenikile

Our beloved father, husband, and grandpa, Tesfaye "Tess" Fenikile, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on October 4, 1934 — a year before the second Italian invasion of Ethiopia began—he lost his father (ፈንቅሌ በሻህ) and uncle (ደባልቄ በሻህ) in that conflict. Before his first birthday, he also lost his birth mother, Woizero Tsedale Belayneh. He was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Woizero Nigatwa Haile, alongside his older siblings Alemayehu, Abebech, and Tirunesh Fenikile, all of whom preceded him in death.

Tess attended elementary school at Lycée Gebre-Mariam and high school at General Wingate in Addis Ababa. He studied Hotel and Motel Management and Social Work in Toledo, Ohio. His diverse career included working as a surveyor, hotel clerk, and life insurance company manager in Ethiopia, followed by positions as a hotel clerk, hotel manager, and maintenance staff in Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. During retirement, Tess dedicated several years working at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Known for his loyalty and lifelong friendships, Tess had a profound love for people. We cherish his humble and gentle personality, warm smile, good humor, and compassionate heart. Above all, we remember his lifelong commitment to helping others. Though he never sought recognition, Tess quietly transformed dozens of lives, serving as a bridge for many seeking a new life in the USA.

We fondly remember Tess for his fashionable dress, his zest for life, his appreciation of Sudanese music, Ethiopian oldies, and American gospel music, and his enjoyment of good food and secret fondness for sweet treats. He loved social gatherings and travel.

One of Tess's favorite mantras was "count your blessings," which he repeated frequently during his final days. When asked to name these blessings, he would always mention the people in his life. Following his example, we declare that Tess has been a true blessing to his family and countless others.

Tess is survived by his beloved wife, Lucia Ciapetti; son, Fassil Fenikile; daughter, Dr. Tsehaywork Fenikile; son-in-law, Dr. Samuel Teferra; and grandchildren Guma Fassil, Mikias Teferra, Nathaniel Teferra, Binyam Teferra, and Yichal Fassil.

"We never lose the ones we love, for their love always lives in our hearts."