BRIEF HISTORY OF YONATHAN

BRIEF HISTORY OF YONATHAN TEMESGEN PETROS

Yonathan Temesgen Petros was born on December 22, 1986 in Alexandria, Virginia and he was known as “Yoni” among his family and friends. He was raised with a very strong family values and discipline and served as an Altar Boy for 8 years at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church. In recognition of his loyalty, dedication, devotion, and faithful assistance in the service of God, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from The Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

Academically, he was an Honor Roll student from Elementary through High school and College. He regularly received Honor-Roll awards from his schools and three times the Presidential Educational Awards from US Presidents for academic excellence. He successfully graduated from High School with an IB Diploma A-B Honors. Yoni attended the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia and graduated with a BS Health Science degree in May of 2010 with a concentration in Physical Therapy. He received a Multicultural Academic Award for outstanding achievement.

Yoni loved athletics such as basketball, swimming, Tae Kwon Do and karate including earning a Blackbelt. He was a member of the Lee District Basketball Team and the Catholic Youth Organization Basketball Club. During his free time, he tutored children, packed food for the homeless at the Washington Capital Food Bank in Washington DC and served as a volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He has received an award from the County of Henrico, Virginia for excellence in service to children. He provided financial and material support for the disadvantaged children in Ethiopia and his dream was to do more in the future.

Yonathan was a very generous and compassionate young man who had a beautiful spirit. There were countless occasions when he took the homeless to the University cafeteria and swiped his college meal card and fed them. He even gave up his full-time job as a Physical Therapist to benefit an elderly co-worker during downsizing of staff.

He was a very honest young man full of hopes, dreams and aspirations to become a responsible productive citizen. Most of all, he was known for his entrepreneurial attitude, infectious smile with a unique sense of humor, and the unconditional love and devotion he had for his family and friends. Yoni always made time to lend an ear and comfort those in need with a positive outlook on life. His strong family values and Christian upbringing shined through providing all who loved him with lasting memories for us to cherish. He was a role model for all kids in the family and his gentle nature will be missed in an indescribable way by both young and old.

Yoni once said, “God is short of Angels in Heaven and He is looking for some good ones on earth.” Yes, indeed, now Yonathan is gone to be with the Lord to serve Him as His Angel and to also watch over all of us.

Thank you.