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From: Habte-Giorgis, Berhe (habte@rowan.edu)
Date: Wed Feb 16 2011 - 05:15:31 EST
Solomon Habtemicael - 1945 to 2011
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Solomon Habtemicael, a veteran of the Eritrean community in Philadelphia died suddenly of heart complications on Saturday February 12, 2011. He was born on October 22, 1945 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from his mother Wzo. Melete Tsega Fremedhin and his father, Grazmach Habtemicael Solomon. Solomon spent most of his childhood and elementary school days in Asmara, Eritrea, and finished high School in Mekele, Ethiopia. Solomon worked as a teacher and later as a school principal in the province of Tigre, Ethiopia. He then came to the United States of America in 1971 and finished his college education at Temple University while supporting himself working part-time in the textile industry.
Because of his interest in auto mechanics, Solomon attended the Lincoln Tech School and graduated with a certificate in auto mechanics. After working in managerial positions in the hospitality industry, his interest in auto mechanics led him to start his own business in 1987 - Lady Liberty Transportation, which proved to be the most efficiently run and successful airport shuttle service in the city of Philadelphia outlasting most of his competitors. Solomon has helped many Eritreans, Ethiopians, other Africans, African Americans and several international students from many parts of the world with job opportunities in his company. He was known to be someone who was eager to help those who approached him for help.
Solomon was popularly known by many, by the nickname of Wedi Hakim, (the son of the doctor). He earned this name because his father served as the only dresser in the only clinic in the town of Shire, in Tigre province at that time. Solomon was involved in the Eritrean liberation movement since the time he came to the U.S. Not only was he one of the founders of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Eritrean Students Association in North America, but he was the most dedicated and active member who sacrificed so much of his time and resources in support of the Eritrean people's struggle for national independence.
Among Solomon's contributions to the Eritrean Struggle for independence; the Oxygen and Battery production projects in the liberated areas stand unparalleled. Oh yes, who can forget the first flight from the USA to liberated Asmara in 1991. It was Wedi Hakim who planned and organized that charter flight.
Because of this extraordinarily active role in Eritrean politics the name Philadelphia and Wedi Hakim have become synonymous among Eritreans.
Solomon met and married his wife Georgie in 1975. They were not only loving husband and wife but close working partners who functioned as true friends starting from their college days. They both have two successful children, Ruba and Sennay. He was a proud grandfather of three beautiful children, Elaina, Matthew and Ava. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Solomon is survived by his brothers Mussie, Buruk, and sisters Raju, Abebech, Saba, and Rutha.
Solomon was the most modest and most unassuming person, who abhorred attracting attention to himself. He was generous with his time and money and very helpful to those who asked for his assistance. The only thing he asked in return was that someday that person would help someone else in need. He will be dearly missed and long remembered by all of us. May his soul rest in peace!
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at St. Francis de Sales, 4625 Springfield Avenue in University City, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
Visitation: 9:00am to 10:00am; Mass 10:00am to 11:00am followed by burial at West Laurel Hill,
225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
Note: Out of town guests, who need sleeping accommodations, please call:
Sennay - 267-207-5627, or Ruba - 215-779-0600
Additional parking space is available at the compound of the Lady Liberty Transportation, 1242 South 47th St. Philadelphia 19143. There will be free shuttle service to the St. Francis de Sales Church where the funeral service will be held.
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