Press Statement | November 1, 2023

Statement on the Passings of ECDC Board Members Gebreselassie Gebremariam and Dr. Henning Leidecker, Jr.

ECDC is saddened to announce the recent passings of two of its board members, board chairman Gebreselassie Gebremariam, and vice chairman Dr. Henning Leidecker, Jr.

Mr. Gebremariam passed away on October 20, 2023, after an illness. Dr. Leidecker passed away on October 30, 2023, also after being ill. Both were surrounded by their loving families at the time of their deaths.

“It is difficult to process the loss of two such outstanding individuals in such a short time period. Both Gebre and Henning were not only important contributors to the growth and development of ECDC, but they were personal friends as well to many in our organization,” said ECDC President Dr. Tsehaye Teferra. “Their warmth, kindness, intellect, and dedication to the community will be deeply missed.”

A funeral service for Mr. Gebremariam was held on Saturday, October 28, at Kidist Selassie Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Falls Church, Virginia. Details for a celebration of life for Dr. Leidecker are still to be determined.