Cancer took our Father

It is with deep regret that we share that our beloved father Abraham Ghebremichael passed away on the evening of Saturday January 21, 2023. He passed away after a courageous battle against stage 4 esophageal cancer and took his final breaths surrounded by loved ones. Abraham was a loving and caring father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend to all. To know and love Abraham was to know warmth. Today we remember his kindness, infectious smile, genuine humanity, and dedication to his community.

Abraham came to America from Eritrea in his 20s, after initially visiting for navy training. Despite the challenges that emigrating to this country will bring, he felt a deep desire to build a life here, and continued to give a beautiful life to his three first-generation American children and loving wife, Neghesti. As a mechanic by trade, he proudly opened his own auto body shop in the late 70s. In 1996, he suffered a stroke that set him back but he courageously fought through it. He never sat still and continued to work, which led him to the hotel industry, as he selflessly wanted to provide for his family. Even through his fight with cancer at 76 years old, his goal was to return to work and the life he previously knew. He never wanted to stop, slow down, or be defined by his diagnosis. His selflessness and work ethic shine bright in our memory and we hope to carry on his legacy by giving to the people and places we love - to our mother, community, children, partners, and beyond.   

For a while, we resisted the launch of this platform, as we were raised to give rather than to ask for, but this terrible illness has taken so much from us since Abraham’s diagnosis in March 2022. Despite working with the best cancer team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the effects of aggressive cancer treatments and complications took a significant toll on our father. This resulted in frequent hospitalizations and procedures over the span of 6-7 months. Through the many setbacks, he remained motivated and bright, as we all love to remember him.

All support from this will go to our mother to cover medical expenses and other related costs as we mourn this devastating loss. Our mother, Neghesti, stood by Abraham’s side for every moment of their 37 years of marriage, the beautiful and the painful alike. The past 11 months were no different. She held his hand through each and every treatment, procedure, and hospitalization. We will love him always and will continue to carry on his love and warmth in the beautiful life that he gifted us. Thank you so much in advance.

With love from his three children,

Robel, Rahel, and Aser