Godwin Tayese Apaliyah

Godwin Tayese Apaliyah, 53, of Washington Courthouse, Ohio went to be with God on April 1st, 2023. 

Godwin Apaliyah, the third of six children, was born on November 8, 1969, in Navrongo, Ghana to Abio Ayangbah and Aluiah Apolala. 

He was a devout Catholic, father, and husband who loved his family very deeply and worked very hard to make them proud and secure. Godwin believed in the power of education and valued its transformative potential to improve lives. No wonder he sojourned to America for the pursuit of higher education. He was so enthusiastic about his job and enjoyed making a difference in the community. He will be remembered for his willingness to go above and beyond for those he cared about.

Godwin obtained his Master of Science in Rural Sociology and Ph.D in Rural Sociology and Community Development from Ohio State University. He served as the Fayette County Economic Development Director through Ohio State University for 11 years; a position he held until his untimely death. He was not only well respected in his field, but was also highly regarded for his friendliness, kindness, diligence, and most importantly, his sincerity.

In his free time, he was a devout Knights of Columbus member, a great cook, an avid pickleball player, and loved watching all kinds of sports, especially when his two sons were playing. He often shared his passion with others, bringing the same joy and dedication he had in all aspects of his life. He and his family also shared many memories from travels around the state and country.

Godwin is survived by his wife Olivia, sons Blaise (22) and Gabriel (16), and four siblings. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, and forever be remembered for his big smile, friendly nature, sense of humor, and his exceptional devotion to his faith that he had even in his final days on earth.

Godwin Tayese Apaliyah no doubt accomplished a lot throughout his life. He was the first in his family to be baptized into the Catholic faith, the first in his village to attend college and earn the title Doctor of Philosophy, and numerous other trailblazing exploits. He will be remembered fondly for the positive influence he had on the lives of those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support either the parish at St. Colman of Cloyne or the Knights of Columbus, both of Washington Court House, OH.

May he rest in peace.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10am on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church with Father Haddad. Burial will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center, Ohio. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7pm on Thursday, April 13th at the Roberts Funeral Home in Washington Court House. A rosary service will follow visitation at 7pm.

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