It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we report the loss of Amanuel Abate. Amanuel was born in Ethiopia, but with a revolution occurring in that country, the family moved to Geneva, Switzerland. There his parents pursued careers in the International Labor Organization or ILO (father) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development or UNCTAD (mother). Amanuel attended the International School of Geneva (Pregny and La Grande Boissière) from which he graduated in 1987 with an International Baccalaureate degree.

Amanuel found his way to Middlebury College in Vermont as a Junior after spending his first year of college at the University of Virginia. He greatly enjoyed his time at Middlebury, and Vermont remained a special place in his heart throughout the years.

Amanuel went on to study Law in Australia and England. Professionally, his years were spent in the realm of his favorite professional sport: football (soccer). He was involved with broadcast rights for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) as well as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and spent many hours with teams from all over the world at regional matches, World Cup events, the Champions League, the UEFA Under-21 Championship and the Olympics.

Amanuel made fast friends wherever he went. Everyone gravitated to his infectious charm and keen interest in people. He was a natural leader and invested his time and energy into nurturing the relationships and communities he was connected with.  

He leaves behind his wife, Kristina, his two daughters, Louella (12) and Liya (5), his parents, his sister Weynabeba, brothers Mulutsega and Dirshaye (Cécile), and nephew, Arthur, as well as a wonderful web of ‘best friends’ around the world.

A celebration of life will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Saturday, June 25, 2022. All are welcome. Please register here to be notified of event details: www.eVite.me/b62dcKQnFK

Please join us in honoring Amanuel Abate by leaving a message here in his memory.