Joseph Y. Ahiabor

BIOGRAPHY OF JOSEPH YAO AHIABOR

If we live, we live for the Lord and if we die, we die for the Lord

So whether we live or die we belong to the Lord

Romans 14:8

Joseph Yao Ahiabor, whom we have all gathered here today to mourn was born on the 2nd of August, 1956 in Accra. His parents were Godson Kwashie Ahiabor and Felicia Gbatovi Akogo, both natives of Tegbi, Volta Region of Ghana and both of blessed memory. He was the last born of his mother’s eight children.

He was baptized soon after birth into the Catholic Church, the religion of the parents and other siblings. At an early age he and the immediate elder sister had to accompany their mother to Tegbi to take care of their grandmum.

On his return to Accra, his cousin, Mr. Samuel Fiaxe, who was then the Headmaster of the school for the deaf at Mampong Akwapim requested that Joe should come stay with him at Mampong. There he attended the Presbyterian Primary and Middle Schools.

He sat for the common entrance in 1970 and got admission to Mawuli School, Ho. As his cousin had then travelled to the USA, his elder sister, Theresa, took over the sponsorship of his education up to the University level.

He sat for the ‘O’ level Examination in 1975 and passed with distinction.

He therefore continued with the sixth form in the same school and passed the ‘A’ Level Examination in 1977.

After the ‘A’ level, he was admitted to the University of Ghana, Legon to take a course in STATISTICS. He obtained a Diploma in STATISTICS in December, 1982 majoring in Information Science.

Upon graduation, he was employed by the National Onchocerciasis Secretariat in Accra as a STATISTCIAN. His work took him on a trek to the northern parts of the Country where Onchocerciasis was prevalent.

While in Ghana he worshipped at the Martyrs of Uganda Catholic Church, Mamprobi in Accra. There he met Regina Afful who became his wife in 1986. The Union was blessed with three kids, Claudia, Augustine and Joshua Ahiabor.

In April 1986, he was awarded a fellowship by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, for training in the USA. Whiles in the USA, he studied at the school of Library and Information Science at the Pratt Institute of New York, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Information Science and Systems.  Thereafter, he had an accomplished career as a Research and Acquisitions Librarian at various pharmaceutical and research companies, being recognized and awarded for leadership, team work, collaboration, accountability and transparency.

Aside from his professional achievements, he was an active member of the church Faith Fellowship Ministries, in Sayreville NJ, where he was an usher and a member of the African fellowship of the church.  He enjoyed playing guitar so he can worship the Lord in music and enjoyed teaching the bible to others.

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The news of your death was a great shock to us. Though we knew you were sick, we never expected the end to come so soon.

Your children, family in the USA and Ghana, friends and associates bid you farewell to your heavenly home.

Till we meet again on the RESURRECTION DAY

Keep on resting peacefully.

TRIBUTE TO DAD FROM YOUR DAUGHTER CLAUDIA

God is very intentional about who He chooses to be your earthly parents.  And while I can never know every purpose that God intends, I can say within my own understanding that I am grateful that He chose you to be my Dad.  Your time here was short, but even in the time we had, you have given me valuable lessons that I’ll carry forward in my life, until we meet again in heaven. 

First, persistence in hope and moving forward through challenges.  While the circumstances of this life will not be perfect for anyone, I have learned from you that there is always hope in the LORD, He is the God of Hope, and nothing is impossible for Him.  Therefore, I can persevere through life’s challenges with persistence and diligence.

Second, faith and the knowledge of God.  This is the greatest gift you could have given me, for it is the foundation of all existence.  “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:3. Some of my favorite conversations are when we talked about your insights on scripture.  I could hear the excitement in your voice, and it brought me joy.  

Third, always be curious and learn new things.  You never stopped learning and growing in your interests: music, good nutrition, world affairs, the bible.  You’ve inspired me to find what interests me and learn, even if for my own enjoyment, and to share this knowledge with others.

There are many more big and small lessons that I don’t write here.  And even more lessons that I haven’t even realized or fully understand yet-- but I hope to understand as I live and reflect on your presence as my Dad. 

I will miss you, and I KNOW I will see you again because I have faith.  Thank you.

                                                                          TRIBUTE TO DAD FROM YOUR SON JOSHUA

Joseph Yao Ahiabor was many things to many people-- a son, a brother, a friend-- but to me he was my father.

          What is a father? A quick search will result in the following definition: “protector, teacher and encourager; a person who picks you up when you fall, brushes you off and lets you try again; admired and much loved.”

Our father demonstrated all these characteristics to me. Our conversations were full of lessons he tried to convey. Whether I understood those lessons right away, or over time, your effort was always consistent.

He encouraged each of us to be the best version of ourselves. Never telling us to choose the easy path. Always encouraging us to do what is best, guiding and counseling us through life’s challenges. I can still see your proud smile celebrating each milestone. That image will forever be engraved in my mind and heart.

Our father was a great example of how to be faithful and trust in God’s plan. Diligently he prayed for us over the years. Whether we were aware of it or not. There’s no way to truly comprehend the protection you provided with those prayers and no way to truly thank him for it.

Although our time together was shorter than we would like it to be, the lessons you have taught will continue to live on through us. Despite leaving your physical shell, I know you will continue to teach, encourage, and protect us. Thank you for being our father.

Tribute to Dad from your son Augustine Enyonam

Dad, although you were tragically taken away from us, I'm glad you're now in a place where there is no more pain and suffering. You're in a place of eternal peace, worshiping at the feet of our Lord and Savior. I remember your smile and your voice, and it's easy for me to picture you smiling joyfully forever now. I see you communing with the saints in heaven, watching your children from above. I'm proud of the tremendous spiritual legacy you left for us, and I hope my faith and my deeds on this Earth make you proud.

You were a man of few words, yet you made sure to teach us the most important lessons of all. I'll always remember your favorite phrases: 1) take good care of yourself, 2) His grace abounds, and 3) shalom.

You ended every conversation by reminding me to take good care of myself. We live in a beautiful but challenging world. There are many blessings but also many traps of the enemy. Thank you for the constant reminder to stay sharp, eat healthy, and to maintain my physical health. I'll continue to take good care of myself so that I can take good care of those around me. 

"His grace abounds" was your go-to answer when complex and difficult situations arose. Your unwavering trust in the Lord was admirable and something to aspire to. You taught me that no matter how bleak the situation may seem, we have a powerful advocate working things out for our good. The darkness can never overcome the light, so when things are not going well, your words resound in my mind, reminding me that tomorrow is another day. There is always hope because no matter what, His grace abounds.

Shalom means perfect peace —nothing broken, and nothing incomplete. Me and Josh have these words on our forearms as a reminder for ourselves and as a tribute to you. Dad, I believe it's our job on this Earth to collaborate with our Creator to achieve perfect peace. This peace enabled you to keep worshipping and reading the Word despite your battle with cancer. Thank you for carving this phrase deep in my heart so I'll always have something to aspire to. It brings a smile to my face to know that you now reside in a state of perfect peace.

             Dad, I'm proud of you. You finished your race! I know you had a challenging life, but despite it all, you never lost your faith. May all your children inherit your spiritual strength. Your decades of prayer have cleared a path so that Claudia, Joshua, and me can walk powerfully on this Earth. We love you and look forward to the day where we reunite in that special place where the streets are paved with gold. Be well, Dad. Shalom!

TRIBUTE TO JOE AHIABOR FROM YOUR SIBLINGS

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, from now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day and not only to me but also all who have longed for his appearing.

Timothy 4:6-8

          Papa Joe as we affectionately called our dear brother, our last born, Joseph Yao Ahiabor, was a great inspiration to the family from early childhood. He was so meticulous in whatever he had to do and was neat to a fault. Joe was ever ready to give a helping hand in the house even cooking unlike many boys. When he had the opportunity to go to the University because of his high intelligence we knew a great light has shone in the family to brighten generations yet unborn.

When one of our sisters could no longer work in Accra, Joe arranged for her transfer to the Volta region. When our father went on retirement, It was Papa Joe who transported him home. He had a listening ear to all problems of the family.

He was so religious that we wished he had been a priest so the family could boast of one but alas this could not happen.

When he left for the USA we were all hopeful that he would return soon to impart his skills and human attributes to enhance the image of the family but our expectation was fruitless. Very early last year, the family got to know he had been taken ill and hospitalized. We prayed and prayed like never before for his recovery. Some months later, we learnt he was recovering so we became very hopeful that he would recover and return home as he had hinted earlier on but this was not to be as the recovery took a reverse turn.

At the dawn of 4^th January, his maker who saw that he was in pain put His arms around him and called him home to rest from his earthly pain. It was a great shock to the family at home, we cried our hearts out to no avail. Papa Joe is gone and gone forever from our sight but not from our memories. Papa Joe, may the God whom you served so well send his angels to lead you to your heavenly home.

Fare thee well, Papa Joe.

TRIBUTE BY MAWUENYEGA FIAXE TO THE MEMORY OF UNCLE JOSEPH YAO AHIABOR

Uncle Joe, you're a symbol of LOVE. Gentle, Generous, Kind Hearted and always smiling. You're an Epitome of God's original intention for man.

I vividly remember with nostalgia an incident in 1969, I was just 3 years old. You had been sent on an errand and I insisted on following you, and you asked me, "Kofi, are you sure you can walk to the market?"

I answered in the affirmative, only for me to tag on your shorts a few meters into the journey to carry me on your back. You didn't get annoyed, but with your usual smile you carried me on your back.

When my wife Emily died in 2014, you were there for me, and during the 5th anniversary of her death, your generosity was what made me realize the occasion.

Uncle Joe, you are gone, but you will never be forgotten. We may be apart, but your memory will live within us forever. We are only left with your memories to live with now.

You've passed on because your body had served its purpose. Your soul had achieved what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, so you left a contented man.

UNCLE JOE, REST IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD !!!

MEMORIES OF JOE BY CLASSMATES OF MAWULI SCHOOL, HO.

1. Joseph Ahiabor entered Mawuli School in September, 1970 and was assigned to Wilberforce House.

Joe was the extreme quiet type and you would hardly notice his presence. We cannot tell whether it was because he was in a mixed class (1b) and was shy of the ladies or not but he was a gentleman by all standards.

Joe, Rest in Peace.            

By Gilbert Asorwoe

2. Joe was one of the top athletes for Wilberforce House during the 1976 inter Ninos. He was second high jump challenging a much older Gbekley.

By Nani Kofi

3. Joe was a brilliant student and well-liked by all. He excelled in the G.C.E “O” Level examination and therefore re-admitted to do the ‘A’ Level.

By Leopard Gbordzoe

4. Oh, this is another blow dealt to us, Joe was one of the members of 1B to 3B Class (of which I was too) He spoke less and focused more on his studies I remember him for his neatness and sense of diligence.

May Joe’s gentle soul Rest in Perfect Peace with his maker.

By Nixon Akuamoah

5. Joe was a shy and soft-spoken gentleman. He had an ambition to make it big one day. I remember visiting him at Wesley Grammar Junction, Dansoman where he was staying with his big sisters.

May his soul Rest in Peace

By Seth Nyamadi

6. Joseph was an extremely quiet person He took his studies seriously and was one of the Mathematics “gurus’ in our year group.

May his soul rest peacefully with his maker 

By Mary Glover - Amengor

                                                                                                               Funeral Service Information

       A visitation from 9:00-10:30am will be held on Friday, January 26^th, 2024, at The Crabiel Home for Funerals. Located 170 N. Main Street Milltown, NJ 08850. Funeral Service will follow at 11:15am at the EPIC Church International. Located 2707 Main Street Sayreville, NJ 08872. Burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in North Brunswick NJ. You may sign the online guestbook at www.crabiel.com.