Anteneh Tesfaye Lencho (affectionately known as Nehneh, or ol’ Pop), 39, of Riverdale, Maryland left this world on February 20, 2026. Born on December 11, 1986, in Washington, D.C. to Comfort Lencho (nee Stewart) and Tesfaye Lencho.

Anteneh started school at the age of 3, attending Frances Fuchs Early Childhood Center. He graduated from Parkdale High School in June 2008, prepared to live independently, although he chose to live at home given his closeness with his family. His teachers were Ms. Beth, Ms. Mackie and of course Ms. Stevenson, the love of his life. Ms. Beth, one of his therapists, gave him a toy push train to encourage him to walk. She later invited his family to her house for dinner.

In his youth, Anteneh was a competitive athlete, participating in track and field events for the Special Olympics of Maryland. He was awarded several gold medals, took home silver, and also ribbons as recognition for his effort. Anteneh was never happy receiving ribbons.

As an adult, he kept a busy schedule participating in a myriad of Maryland National Parks and Planning’s Special Populations programs - filling his free time with activities ranging from floor hockey to basketball, to indoor volleyball, and later in life, bowling. He received many bowling awards and trophies. Anteneh was a social butterfly. He went to Spring Fling and Holiday Hop dances hosted by MNPPC. His younger sister, Jaleli, accompanied him to many of the dances, the two of them dancing to his favorite bands and musicians, including the GAP Band, Earth, Wind and Fire, and of course, Michael Jackson. He was an avid photographer, always making time to capture life's precious moments. Sundays after church were spent watching American football. He was a Commanders fan (and also a Cowboys fan when convenient, if we’re being honest). Like his siblings, he loved WWE and his favorite wrestler was the Great Khali. He was able to attend a wrestling match with his dad thanks to a kind stranger.

He worked for Melwood from graduation in 2008 until the end. He was a custodian at the Naval Research Laboratory (Department of Defense). Hardworking and committed to his job, Anteneh maintained a near-perfect attendance record at his job. He loathed having to stay home on snow days, but would take time off to camp with his family or travel to Jamaica, birthplace of one of favorite musicians, Bob Marley.

A devout Christian, Anteneh was a member of the International Ethiopian Evangelical Church family for many years. He longed for Jesus and always asked his dad when He is coming back.

To know Anteneh was to know unconditional love, consistent joy and humor. He was selfless, ever ready to help others. As a child, he gravitated to babies. Whether or not he knew them, if a child seemed to be in distress, Anteneh would try to pick them up - sometimes causing stress but most of the time winning over the child’s parents.

He is survived by his siblings: Michael, Sinait, Tsion (Sunshine), Jaleli, and Belai. His sister-in-law, Stephanie, and Brother-in-law Solomon. Anteneh was a loving uncle to Mackenzie, Isaac, Abian, Amman, Maddison, and Noah, and friend to many.

A funeral will be held on March 3, 2026 at the International Ethiopian Evangelical Church (IEEC), 7930 Eastern Ave NW, Washington, DC 20012 beginning at 10:30 am. All are welcome to attend. The burial will take place at Norbeck Memorial Park at 1:00 pm followed by a Repast and Lekso at 3 pm at the IEEC. Please join us after the burial and share your memories, stories and experiences as we remember Anteneh. a

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Special Olympics of Maryland. Contributions may be made online at https://tinyurl.com/SpecialOl…

Anteneh's church family have also generously created a Go Fund Me at https://www.gofundme.com/f/su…

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/anteneh-lencho/obituary/

Copy