Abraham was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 3, 1948 to Engeda Abebe and Kelemework Dilnesahu.
Abraham received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Brighton in England in 1973 and his Master's degree from the University of Manchester in 1974. Abraham served as an educator in Ethiopia before completing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1987 at the University of Hannover in Germany. After working as a research assistant in Hannover, he began his 35-year career at Michigan State University, where he rose to the rank of full professor and was ultimately honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.
Abraham was a pioneer in the field of turbodynamics, authoring or co-authoring more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and presenting at numerous mechanical engineering conferences. Beyond his commitments to the University, he also served as a fellow for NASA and the U.S. Air Force. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his contributions to mechanical engineering, specifically Best Journal Paper awards, the 25 Years of Service Award from the University of Hannover, and the prestigious Henry Worthington Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Abraham is survived by his spouse, Elsabeth; children Kalkidan, Yadonay, Amanuel, and Efrem; sister Anketse and family; sisters-in-love Asnakech and family, Agerie and family, Yesewdeg and family; many other siblings-in-love, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Abraham is preceded in death by his father, Engeda Abebe; his mother, Kelemework Dilnesahu; his sisters, Mekdelawit Kidanemariam and Hirut Kidanemariam; and his brother, Solomon Engeda.
Services are in the care of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912, where visitation will be held on August 31st from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for close family and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for all. Funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E Saginaw St, Lansing, MI 48912, starting at 11 a.m., with burial following at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing, MI.
Abraham, with all his brilliance and achievements, was the most humble, compassionate, and loving person. He was a father, brother, and friend to many, and will be dearly missed. We love you so very much, Abri, and like you always say, “Avventuratevi!”
