Yosef Tadele

We mourn the loss of a father, son, brother, and friend who brought immense joy and love to all who knew him. My brother Yosef Tadele (Yos), a cherished brother, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2023.

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he came to the United States at the age of 9 years old. Yosef was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Aaliyah and Emnet, who he loved so very much. He has many sisters and brothers and cousins that grew up with him and loved him dearly.

Yosef was always an easygoing soul, he rarely got anxious. His calm spirit eased other’s pains and troubles in a way only he could. He had trials, as all of us do, but I remember him saying once that life is too short to be anxious and stressed, and to try not to be so serious all the time. Yosef displayed this approach to life in every manner, and I respected him a great deal for that. His laugh was infectious, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to friends and family.

Below is what his daughters wish to be said about their father:

Our father was loving, funny, and caring. He loved his family dearly. He cared so much about all of us. We always loved him no matter what. We knew that he had deeper emotions and wounds that hadn’t healed, but he still made us happy and laugh.

He loved showing us our culture. Especially Ethiopian food. Every time we got to spend time with him, we always ate Ethiopian food together; that was our favorite memory with our father. He loved and showed kindness to everyone around him, and he was so strong. He loved animals, especially Kuda, who he loved like his own child. My father will be remembered as a strong, caring, and loving human being, as shown throughout his life.

Yosef is already greatly missed; his absence has left an impact and void that will never ever be forgotten. May God bless your soul, Yosef, and may you rest in peace, my sweet brother. I will miss you forever. I will never forget all of our memories and how we grew up with our grandparents together. I will always remember how much you loved me, and every text you sent always had the words “I love you.” I will never forget the peace you tried to help me make with every issue I’ve had, always telling me to take it easy. My kids will always remember you as their favorite uncle Yosef. They always couldn’t wait for you to come and visit, and it was so sweet how much joy you brought them when you saw them. Your silly spirit and thoughtful gifts made them happy. You were so kind and gentle and fun-loving, acting like a kid with them; I loved that about you, and I miss that.

I have a hole in my heart now that will never be healed. I MISS YOU SO MUCH and I will never stop thinking about you. I promise to honor your memory and live life a little less seriously, because now I know more than ever, it’s too short. I wish I could hug you right now, but we will meet again, my brother. All of your struggles and your worries are gone. It’s time for you to rest. I am only finding comfort in the fact that God promises we will be together again one day. I love you, and I miss you so much already. I am unsure of how I will make it in this life without you, but I will pray for you always and keep you close in my heart.

I love you always and forever, your sister Lili

This page dedicated to Yosef by his sister Lili Haile

A funeral mass for Yosef will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 12701 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD. A burial will occur Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. A reception will occur Thursday, January 11, 2024.