Obituary for Dr. Girma Zelleke
Girma Zelleke, Ph.D., 74, of Maidencreek Township, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in his residence. His daughter Tilaye G. Zelleke provided love and care to her father throughout his stay in the hospital and at his home. Girma the proud son of the late Kegnazamach Zelleke Dimen and Mrs. Tilaye Wasena-Aboye. He was born and raised in Chencha, Ethiopia where he completed his education up to 10th grade. Following his completion of 10th grade, he moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to complete the remainder of his high school education and pursue his bachelor degree in Economics at Addis Ababa University, formerly known as Haile Selassie University.
Following Girma’s undergraduate degree he was chosen by His Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, as one of the highest-ranking students in his class, to travel to The United States and participate in the Young Economics Program at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Girma graduated Vanderbilt University with his Master’s degree in International Economics. He then attended The University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, where he obtained a second Master’s degree and Doctorate degree in Economics. Dr. Zelleke continued his love for teaching at The University of Colorado and then Benedict College, Columbia, SC.
For the past 34 years, Dr. Zelleke was employed as a Professor of Economics by Kutztown University in the Department of Business Administration, until his retirement in 2020.
Dr. Zelleke was especially passionate about African economics, his love for Ethiopia, and the economics of the Great Depression. He also valued his time with family and spent a great deal of it with his daughter and grandchildren. Dr. Zelleke was well recognized for his efforts of going above and beyond in the classroom and the impact he made in many students' lives and their academic journey. He taught and developed various economic courses for thousands of students and enjoyed high teacher-student evaluations.
Dr. Zelleke was a member of the American and Pennsylvania Economic Association and has authored and co-authored an impressive amount of peer-reviewed scientific papers and presented works at national and international conferences. Dr. Girma Zelleke was actively associated with different societies and academies even following his retirement as full professor. While on faculty at Kutztown University, Girma was a member and advocate for the Black Faculty Caucus. He was also a member of the NAACP. In his free time, he enjoyed watching CNN, following current events in his home country of Ethiopia and most importantly, playing with his grandchildren.
Dr. Zelleke is survived by his daughter, Tilaye Girma Zelleke, with whom he resided; four grandchildren, Tewodros Getachew (26), Jeremiah Arroyo, Jr (14)., Erimiyas Zelleke (3), Emory Arroyo (1); and was predeceased by his loving son, Getachew Zelleke and two brothers, Alemayenu Belay and Mekonene Zelleke.
A viewing will be held on Saturday March 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc. at 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA. A burial will directly follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, 15184 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA.
Click to View Funeral Service for Dr. Girma Zelleke
The family requests memorial contributions that are made in Girma’s memory be sent directly to the family residence at 533 East Wesner Road, Blandon, PA 19510 and specify it is to be used for the “Dr. Zelleke memorial fund c/o Tilaye Girma Zelleke”. The donations will be used for multicultural needs at Kutztown University and be sent to his beloved country of Ethiopia.
Click to View Memorial Tribute Video for Dr. Zelleke
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.