Gabriel Vonleh Obituary – Gabriel Vonleh, the affable and accomplished CEO of Opportunities for Inclusion (OFI), passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 9, 2024.
His sudden passing has deeply shocked and saddened those who knew him as a tireless champion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Hired as CEO of OFI in early 2019, Gabe brought more than 25 years of experience working in community and government health centers, often focusing on underserved and underprivileged populations.
Under his guidance, OFI expanded its mission and reached new heights, including groundbreaking collaborations with Waltham officials to establish two group homes for adults with special needs.
The first group home, a testament to Gabe’s visionary leadership, recently held its ribbon-cutting ceremony, while the second remains under development—a symbol of his enduring impact on the community.
Gabe’s dedication to OFI’s mission was deeply personal. As the father of a son with autism, he often shared his unique perspective and unwavering commitment to advocating for his child and others in similar circumstances. “I can relate to the parents because I have a son with autism and I am an advocate for my child,” he once said.
Gabe was known for his warm and approachable nature, building genuine connections with everyone he met. Born in Liberia, Gabe immigrated to the United States at a young age and settled in Sharon, Massachusetts, where he lived with his family. Over the summer, he proudly became a member of the Waltham Lions Club, further exemplifying his commitment to community service.