Isaac Bekele Nunamo

Dr. Isaac Bekele Nunamo of Germantown, Maryland passed away peacefully at age 74 on May 4, 2025 following a prolonged battle with colorectal cancer.

Dr. Isaac was born, in 1950, in Dubancho Kebele, Kontab Woreda, Ethiopia. He was the son of Mr. Bekele Nunamo and Mrs. Laewa Orebo. He began his education at Bobicho Primary School (1962), continued at Ras Abate Buayalew Secondary School (1963–1965), and completed his secondary studies at Nazareth Atse Geladios School (1966–1968), earning high distinction on the national 12th grade exam.

In 1969, he was among the few from his region to enroll at Haile Selassie I University, graduating in 1976 with a degree in Statistics. From his secondary school years onwards, Dr. Isaac was actively involved in efforts to challenge political, economic, and social injustices in Ethiopia.

He was a leading student activist against the oppressive land tenure system and was notably the first to announce the 1975 land reform proclamation in the Hadiyissa language on national radio and television. He also took part in the 1975 “Development through Cooperation Campaign,” a youth movement against illiteracy, corruption, and social injustice.

After the campaign, he returned to Addis Ababa University and graduated with high honors, in October 1976. He then worked for a year at the university’s National Examination Agency before being transferred to the Gene Bank. While preparing to pursue further studies in England, he was imprisoned and tortured by the State Security Service during the Red Terror. Despite this, he later completed his second degree at the University of Reading in the UK.

Isaac then left the UK behind, for the sunny Caribbean, where he was employed at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago (The UWI). Despite the new and different environment, he was able to excel professionally while establishing connections with colleagues and the small Ethiopian community there. He met his future wife, Frances Lee Fai, at The UWI in Trinidad. After several months of courtship, they got married in 1985. In 1989, Isaac completed his PhD in Biostatistics at the prestigious Cornell University, while on a LASPAU scholarship. Whilst in upstate NY, he made several lifelong friends. His first son, Delamo, was born there in 1986. Isaac and family moved back to Trinidad in 1989. Younger sons, Kacha (1991) and Adilla (1999), later followed.

Isaac had over 36 years’ experience in the area of Environmental and Biological studies, providing statistical support to graduate students as co-supervisor or statistical support provider. He was also a statistical consultant to the Institute of Marine Affairs for an extended period, and taught Statistics to MSc Environmental Engineering students. His research interests include Statistical Mathematics and theories in agricultural, biological and environmental fields.

Dr. Bekele was a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Food Production at The UWI, St. Augustine before being appointed Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture in 2013. He served in this capacity until 2016.

As Dean, Dr. Bekele pushed hard for food security in the Caribbean region, and the importance of education and research in this endeavour. Many innovations and upgrades occurred under his guidance. He emigrated to Maryland in 2018 after retirement in 2017. He enjoyed his time in the DMV, being close to numerous friends and family members.

Outside of work, he enjoyed spending time with family, walking, birdwatching, history (especially Ethiopian) along with local culture and cuisine. He was extremely beloved by his many friends and family all across the globe. Well known for his intellect, generosity, sociability, pointed advice/candor and strength of character, he will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Frances (Lee Fai) Bekele PhD; sons, Dr. Delamo I. Bekele (38), Dr. Kacha Bekele (34) and Dr. Adilla Bekele (26); daughter-in-law, Hannah (Chau) Bekele DNP; grandson, Arthur (14 months); brothers Assefa Bekele and Abayneh; sister Marta Tadesse; brother-in law Yohannes; sister-in- law Kathleen Lee Fai; close friends/family including many nieces and nephews, including Kotera, Hanon, Adebe, Habebo, Banchi, Blen, Dagmawit, Meklit, Eskedar and their families; Abebe Deboch, Wude Demisse and family; Dr. Feleke Eshete, Aster and family; Wude Amale and Tsenat; Assefa Lintiso, Almaz and family; Mekonnen, Marta and family; Dr. Abebayehu Tegene and Dr. Misrak; Melkamu Kassa, Shiferaw, Samuel, Alemayehu A.; Eshetu, Selam and family; Nguisse and family, among others. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bekele Nunamo and Laewa Orebo; brothers (Girma, Temesgen and Birhanu); sisters (Desta, Tadu and Mulu).

A visitation ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD. The funeral service for Dr. Isaac Bekele Nunamo will be held at Mother Seton Catholic Church, 19551 Father Hurley Blvd, Germantown, MD, 20874 on Friday May 9th at 12:00PM followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mother Seton Catholic Church, Montgomery and Prince Georges Hospice, Casey House, and Colorectal Cancer Alliance.