Yitbarek Nahusenay Desta

Yitbarek Nahusenay Desta

Yitbarek Nahusenay Desta, affectionately known as “Chuni,” passed away on May 22, 2026, in New York, New York. He was born on May 20, 1972, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to the late Bekelach Tesfaye and Nahusenay Desta.

Yitbarek grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and later spent most of his life in Shercock, Ireland. He was a college graduate and built a meaningful career as an Executive Chef. His passion for cooking was not only his profession, but also one of the ways he shared his creativity, warmth, and love with others.

Yitbarek will be remembered for his charismatic personality, his presence, and the lasting impression he made on those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Phillipa Nahusenay; his siblings, Martha, Naod, Yodit, Yemsrach, Feseha, and Almaz; his nieces, Meron, Faven, Almaz, Emnet, Amen, and Bella; and his nephews, Ezra, Adam, Senay, and Nolawi.

Yitbarek was predeceased by his parents, Bekelach Tesfaye and Nahusenay Desta.

Funeral services will be held on Monday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Riotto Funeral Home, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306. Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.