Bubi Daniel Tello, beloved husband, father and grandfather was called home by the Lord on December 5, 2017 at the age of 63.
Bubi’s Childhood
Bubi was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He was the eldest son of Bertha Bernadina Sosa and Bubi Sebastian Tello. He was raised in Ecuador with his oldest sister Martha and his younger siblings Lorena, Samuel and William. At the age of 11 he came to the United States with his sister Lorena. It would be several years before the entire family would be reunited in New York City. Those early years in NYC instilled in him a sense of adventure and fearlessness that served him well throughout his life. Bubi delighted in meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and exploring new places! Life was one glorious adventure to Bubi. His zest for life never diminished.
Bubi as a Young Man
It was during these years in New York City that some of the most pivotal moments in his life took place. The first of which was the Lord capturing Bubi’s young heart for Himself. He later told his wife he knew he was captured when he was proud to openly carry his bible on the subway. Then came an invitation to a Christian student meeting on the Manhattan Campus of Baruch College where he met Robert Rios who introduced him to the ministry of Witness Lee and Watchmen Nee, This introduction forever altered the course of this young man’s life. For those who have met Bubi and wondered about the source of his joy…be assured it was Christ in him the hope of glory, it was the operation of The Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him that gave him the buoyant life Bubi exuded regardless of outward trials (of which there were many). His love and pursuit of the Lord were never hindered by his physical limitations. Daily he found strength and encouragement in the word of God, in prayer and in fellowship with other believers by whatever means possible, in person, on Facebook or on the phone. Bubi Tello loved the Lord, the Church, his fellow members in the body of Christ, his family and people in general.
Bubi as a Husband
Nyack, New York is where Bubi met his beloved wife of 37 years, Gail Michele Tello. His partner in life’s adventures, mother to his 3 daughters, companion in his walk with the Lord, and in later years his faithful caregiver. Gail was the undisputed apple of Bubi’s eye. Gail loved and adored Bubi. Gail's world was forever enlarged and enriched the day Bubi walked into her life in the Nyack College Library and announced he couldn’t study because she was distracting him! Gail quickly learned that everything was more fun and exciting when Bubi was involved! The couple married after a short 6 month courtship. Early in the couple’s marriage Bubi and Gail enjoyed and, were sustained thru some difficult times, by the glorious church life in New York City. The young couple was built together during those years in NY with several other young couples many who remain to this day cherished friends. From New York the couple moved to Atlanta where they once again enjoyed the local church life for many years. Eventually an opportunity opened to move to Athens to help care for college students seeking a relationship with the Lord. Remembering how profoundly his own life had been impacted during his college years he desired to serve others in the same regard as he had once been served. Happily his wife Gail joined him in this new adventure. Bubi and Gail opened their home to UGA students. It was his delight to follow their progress in their Christian life even after they had graduated and moved away.
Bubi as a Father
As a father, Bubi was a creative and inspiring force in the lives of his three daughters, Jen, Katie & Anna. He was unafraid to be silly, unabashed in sharing his marvel at the world around him. As his girls were growing up he made a point to always create dedicated time for each daughter, getting to know her as an individual. He taught his girls to reason, question, challenge and wonder at everything. Even into their adulthood, he would sit long hours, late into the night, just talking with each of them. He passed along his appreciation for music, art, history, movies, politics, science & astronomy as well as his love for the Lord. He never faltered in praying for his girls. He was a dynamic & loving father who leaves behind a legacy of kind, thoughtful, fearless women.
Bubi as a Grandfather
Bubi also treasured his grandchildren, Daniel, Lilliana & Oliver. He was so proud of how intelligent and kind his grandchildren were and were growing to be each day. From the time he was little, Bubi’s eldest grandson, Daniel, was his constant companion and Bubi LOVED it! He delighted in playing cars with the boy, setting up chairs for home meetings and trying adventurous new dishes together. As his only grand-daughter, Lillie held a special place Bubi’s heart. He loved to sing to her and read her stories. Bubi’s youngest grandson Oliver is only 16 months old and bonded with his grandpa as they rode around our apartment complex on Bubi’s motorized scooter. Bubi became known best in our neighborhood simply as “Oliver’s Grandpa”. If ever a man loved his family, it was Bubi Tello.
He is preceded in death by his father Bubi Sebastian Tello, his dearly loved nephews, Naval Cross recipient Jordan C. Haerter and Aaron Alexander De La Cruz, his loving mother-in -law, Eleanor Jane Lyles, and his Beloved mother Bertha Bernadina Sosa.
Bubi Tello is survived by his wife, Gail M. Tello, his eldest daughter Jennifer L. Tello (Jen), his “middle-est” daughter Katie E. Tello and her son, Daniel A. Tello, his youngest daughter, Anna M. Mahaffey and her husband Beloved Brother in the Lord and son-in-law Nicholas Mahaffey and their children Lilliana N. Mahaffey and Oliver L.G. Mahaffey.
He also leaves behind his siblings and their spouses: Jose & Martha Gomez, Mark & Loren Raybuck, Samuel & Belinda Tello, William & Alisa Tello. His father-in-law, John C. Lyles as well as brothers & sisters-in-laws:
Tom & Donna Bottle, JoAnn Lyles, Ken Lyles, Steve Barton, Karl & Candace Lyles and a large extended family of nieces and nephews and their families.
Through long years of hardship and severe illness, Bubi’s spirit and joyful heart never waned. He was an example to all who met him and a gift to all that loved him. While he will be dearly missed, his family can’t help but smile thinking of him on what he described as his “next great adventure”.
The family requests that in Lieu of flowers contributions be made to the following charities:
Bibles for America
The Church in Athens (for the benefit of Christian Students at UGA)
National Kidney Foundation
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