Michael Gabriel Tedros

Michael Gabriel Tedros was born on March 9, 1947 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was the eldest child of the late Gabriel Tedros and Leah Warqneh Tedros and brother to Etenesh, Daniel, Tesfayohannes, and Fikerte.

In his early years, Michael attended school at Sandford (known locally as English School) followed by Teferi Makonnen. A gifted artist from an early age, he followed his lifelong passion for creating artwork and acquiring knowledge around the world, attending art schools in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Florence (Italy), and Brooklyn (New York). He produced a fantastic collection of fine art across multiple genres and styles. He truly did it all. His pieces hang today in museums and homes across the world, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Ethiopian National Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Michael remained in the United States after moving to New York for art school in the early 1970s. After graduating, he worked various jobs before settling at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in 1976, where he worked until retirement. The college commemorated his service as part of their 50th anniversary, including a photo/plaque that now hangs in the Annandale campus acknowledging his contribution to education. Every school year, an endowed student scholarship is awarded as a part of the “Dedicated Faculty Service Scholarship” in his memory and that of his colleagues.

In December 1976, he married Senedu Teshome, who he shared his life with for over 50 years. The couple settled in Springfield, VA, and had two children, Gabriel and Zoma-Helen (married to Lawrence Ross). He has four grandchildren (Naomi, Lawrence Jr., Violet, and Nolan).

Michael understood the importance of truly loving on others and bringing everyone together via family dinners, backyard barbeques, and holiday gatherings, where he captured the moment on video or film. He would tell exciting stories about the good old days, like when he purchased a motorcycle after he retired to relive his glory days riding around Addis Ababa. He never missed a birthday and constantly made sacrifices to ensure others had what they needed. He was the type of person to offer the shirt off his back. He even extended his home to countless family members throughout the years. Whether it was domestic or abroad, he supported the communities he loved by helping with handyman projects and building his sanctuary with a dream farmhouse in Legedadi. In Legedadi, he employed the local community to build, maintain, and grow his businesses.

Michael passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. His memory will forever be cherished by all that he left behind, including Senedu Tedros, Gabriel Tedros, Zoma Ross, Lawrence Ross, Naomi Ross, Lawrence Ross Jr, Nolan Tedros Ross, his sisters and brothers, Etenesh

Tedros, Daniel Tedros, Tesfu Tedros, Fikerte Tedros-Burns, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service for Michael will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042. Michael will be laid to rest in National Memorial Park , 7482, Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042. A reception will occur Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Michael will be laid to rest in National Memorial Park , 7482, Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NationalFH-MP.com for the Tedros family.