Springfield community in mourning

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - People from the city's north end community are coming to the Greek Cultural Center to pay their respects to the 20 year old who took his own life last week.

It had come as a shock to so many because of the promise they saw in Hector Ofray.

He encouraged other young people to avoid gangs and violence. 22News spoke with some of the people who came to share their grief.

Lisa Garcia told 22News what Hector meant to her. “He was like my brother he was always there for me, when I needed him the most I would only give him a call every time I was down, he was the one who would always bring me up all their time. “

Calling hours will continue until 7 o'clock Sunday night.

Hector Ofray will be buried Monday. A funeral service will be held 8:30 Monday morning at the Greek Cultural Center.

is mentor Jose Claudio of the New North Community council told 22News, the young man was a born leader, and his loss will be felt by the entire city of Springfield.