WCAC

Gabriel Vonleh, the affable and accomplished president and CEO of Opportunities for Inclusion (OFI), died this week. He was only 59.

OFI said he “passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 10 due to medical complications after a short illness.”

Those who knew Gabe were shocked by the sudden death of a compassionate advocate for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their loved ones.

A Kind, Compassionate Man

“His passing is tragic,” said Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, who worked closely with Gabe on a number of projects in recent years.

 

“He was a wonderful gentleman. He had a great love and vision for the clients and OFI. He will be sorely missed,” the mayor said. 

Gabe came to America from Liberia at a young age. Before joining OFI, he worked for 25 years in community and government health centers, often assisting the underprivileged.

He and his wife Carine, parents to 5 adult children, lived in Sharon.

 

Colleagues in Waltham described Gabe as a kind and positive person, liked by all.

Over the summer he was sworn in as a Waltham Lion.

City councilor Cathyann Harris, a fellow Lion who worked with Gabe on an OFI group home in her ward, said she felt uplifted and empowered by Gabe.

 

“He’s named after an angel. There’s a reason for that,” she said.

An Innovative, Experienced Leader

“Gabe was an innovative, passionate and forward-thinking leader who worked hard to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” OFI said following his death.

He was hired in early 2019 and promised to expand the organization’s goal of inclusion and independence for those with special needs.

 

He also had a personal connection to OFI’s mission.

“I can relate to the parents because I have a son with autism and I am an advocate for my child,” he said.

 

During his tenure, OFI started some innovative new programs.

In December 2023, twenty eight Haitian migrants attended a graduation ceremony at OFI headquarters for a work training program offered in partnership with Boston Medical Center.

 

The migrants received training to work with the developmentally disabled. Gabe said area employers had earmarked 20 positions for the graduates. 

Over the last several years, OFI also worked with Waltham officials to develop two group homes for adults with special needs, marking a bold new commitment to independent living for those it serves.

 

The first group home for five people at 46 Chestnut Street was quickly realized with widespread support in Waltham and beyond.

At a recent ribbon cutting, Gabe deferred all credit to his loyal team and elected officials, reflecting the humility he embodied. 

 

“I’m just a humble servant,” he said. “Without these guys I am nothing.”

 

OFI’s second group home on Fiske Avenue, also for five special needs adults, is currently being designed.

Following Gabriel Vonleh’s death, OFI Executive Director of Operations and Personnel Mark Beaumont was appointed as the organization’s interim CEO.

The Waltham Channel joins our partners at OFI and Gabe’s family and friends in mourning his passing. 

 

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, December 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Angela Merici Church in Mattapan, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.

 File photos