Emmanuel Chukwueke, 73, educator

EMMANUEL Elekwachi Chukwueke, a native of Nigeria who came to the United States in 1987 and became an educator and active member of the Philadelphia and Camden communities, died Nov. 6. He was 73 and lived in South Philadelphia.

Chukwueke was slain by armed robbers while visiting his hometown of Ovim, in Nigeria.

He was a prominent educator in Nigeria. He was superintendent of schools in the East Central State, a position he assumed after the Nigerian civil war in 1970, and held other educational positions.

The son of a tribal chief, Chukwueke was called "chief" by friends and associates. He also held tribal and government positions in Nigeria. He received a bachelor's degree in geography, English and education from University College, in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1964.

After arriving in the United States, he joined and became active with St. Edmond Church, at 21st Street and Snyder Avenue, South Philadelphia, and was manager for a number of years of A-B Associates Inc., a drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation center at 1523 W. Erie Ave., North Philadelphia.

He enrolled at St. Joseph's University to receive a teaching certification to teach. He was a substitute teacher in the Camden School District for a time.

He also worked for United Parcel Service, the New Jersey Unemployment Bureau in Camden, the Camden Board of Education and Home Depot. For some years, he was a foster grandparent for the Texas Juvenile Correction Center, in Beaumont.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine; five sons, Theo O., Barnabas E., Emmanuel Uche, Joseph O. and Felix O.; two daughters, Tessy Ngozi Madubuko and Regis O. Chukwueke; and 14 grandchildren.

Services: Memorial service 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Church of St. Patrick, 64 Cooper St., Woodbury, N.J. *