WORCESTER, MA — Friends, family and local leaders are remembering Walter Jovel as a mentor and community leader whose work reached young people across Worcester.
Jovel, 45, was the co-founder of HOPE Coalition and spent a decade as a facilitator for the Worcester Youth Leadership Institute, a summer program and mentorship initiative for local youth.
HOPE Coalition is a youth-adult partnership with a mission to reduce youth violence and substance use and promote adolescent mental health and youth voice in Worcester.
Leadership Worcester, where Jovel was a member of the Class of 2021, said it was “heartbroken” by his sudden passing. The organization remembered Jovel for his positivity, kindness and passion, and said he had a way of making people feel connected and seen.
Jovel’s obituary described him as a devoted family man and trusted mentor who spent his life inspiring others through compassion, creativity and service. He was also remembered for his love of movies, travel, food, Halloween, hip-hop, gaming, soccer and street art.
Walter believed deeply in the power of mentorship and devoted countless hours to helping young hearts discover purpose, confidence, and hope," the obituary stated. "Beyond his community work, Walter was a man full of passion and personality."
City Councilor Khrystian King also offered his condolences to those mourning Jovel's loss.
"Walter stood with people. He stood for people. He stood beside our youth, our community, and every space that needed care, joy, advocacy, or leadership," King shared in a statement Friday. "He empowered youth with sincerity. He helped them see their worth, their professionalism, their possibilities, and the life they could build. And in doing so, he expanded all of our vision, too."
Jovel's family created a GoFundMe to honor his memory and fund the farewell. More than $18,000 has been donated as of Tuesday. You can find the fundraiser here.
Services were held on Monday and Tuesday in Worcester.
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