Mr. Asmerom Ghebremedhin's Obituary
Our beloved Asgedom Ghebremedhin was born August 28, 1953 in Geza Lamza to
Ghebremedhin Testbah and Abrahet Temanu. He attended elementary and middle school
in Debarwa and went on to graduate from Point Four in Asmara. He was accepted to
university in Ethiopia, but due to fmancial constraints, he started working at Wenji Sugar
Factory in Ethiopia. After a year, he moved to Assab to work in a petroleum refinery and
married Tsige Kifle shortly after in 1969.
In late 1960s, Asgedom became involved in the growing political struggle for the
independence of Eritrea. Due to his patriotic activities, he was imprisoned and tortured by
the Ethiopian army. Despite his imprisonment, Asgedom continued with his political
involvement and joined the national liberation struggle as a member of the Eritrean
Liberation Front (ELF). In 1975, he was forced to flee his home after receiving a tip that
the Ethiopian army was coming to execute him. Tsige and Asgedom •eventually became
separated during the chaotic events that transpired. After searching for his beloved wife for
days, he presumed her to be dead. This heavy loss motivated him to continue fighting and
he became an active soldier with the ELF. It was through God’s grace that he was reunited
with his wife in Yemen who was receiving medical treatment.
Shmily after being reunited, Tsige and Asgedom fled to Sudan, and eventually made their
way to Holland via Italy. In order to be closer to his brother, the couple along with their
two children, made their way to Oakland, California in November 1981. His persistence
and passion for education enabled him to obtain his bachelor’s degree in sociology from
San Francisco State University while working two jobs to suppmi his family. After
graduating, he went on to work fulltime for the City of Oakland for 26 years.
Asgedom was heavily involved in the Eritrean community. He was an active member of
the ELF (now EPDP) and a strong advocate for political democracy in Eritrea. He was
instrumental in growing the first Eritrean Community Center in Oakland. He was one of
the founders, and a dedicated member, of the St. Mary’s Eritrean Orthodox Church. He
poured his heart and soul into the church always being the first to arrive and the last to
leave after making sure the church was in order. At every wedding and community
celebration, Asgedom was the life of the party and a source of energy and happiness for
everybody there. Everyone was filled with joy watching him dance and play the koboro. He
was an avid soccer player, and played every Saturday moming with his team. He was
immensely loved by his family, friends, and community, and has left a big• void in all of our
heatis. We are comfmied knowing that he is with our heavenly father, and reunited with his
parents, and siblings Berhane, Rishan, Russom, Milashu, Mehreteab, and Tecklehamanot.
Asgedom is survived by his wife, Tsige Kifle; his kids Regat, Daniel, Kiko, Rahwa, and
Betial; ten grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his siblings Abraham, Abeba,
Fessahaye, Teckle, Kiflom, and Tefera.
What’s your fondest memory of Asmerom?
What’s a lesson you learned from Asmerom?
Share a story where Asmerom's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Asmerom you’ll never forget.
How did Asmerom make you smile?