MESFIN AMBATCHEW was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on April 27, 1943 to Weizero Etifwork Adgeh, his mother, and Kegnazmach Ambachew Dehne, his father, and was one of nine children. He spent his formative years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mesfin completed his high school diploma at H.I.M. Secondary School in Kotebe. He then attended Haile Selassie University, now known as Addis Ababa University, and graduated with a B.S. degree in social work. After completing his degree, Mesfin worked with a number of social service agencies in Ethiopia.
In the late 1960’s, he came to Cleveland, Ohio, to earn his Master’s degree in Social Work at Case Western Reserve University. After earning his degree, he returned to Ethiopia and taught social work at Addis Ababa University. During his tenure there, Mesfin was working with the Student National Service Program. This was an organization designed to enhance the perspective of university students by addressing social factors and community issues throughout the country.
In 1977, Mesfin was awarded the opportunity to pursue his Doctoral Degree at Case Western Reserve University. Afterwards, he went to work for the Community Action Against Addiction (CAAA) a non-profit organization based in Cleveland. After CAAA, he joined the Cuyahoga Children and Family Services working with them for 15 years.
Mesfin Ambatchew passed away on August 2nd, 2019.
He is survived by his loving wife Messelu Zeleke, his two sons Yilak and Zeleke. His family was by his side during his illness, caring for him with endless devotion and love. He was loved by his family, his co-workers and his entire community. He was a compassionate and selfless individual who gave his entire life to serving others and will always be remembered by all those who knew him.
The family will receive friends at the DiCICCO & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. OH 44124, FRIDAY from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral Service by St. Mary Ethiopian Church Clergy 9:00 AM Saturday August 10 at St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church, 678 Richmond Rd., Cleveland OH 44143. Interment Whitehaven Memorial Park. Online condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com
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