Jesse Matthew Vega

Jesse Matthew Vega, beloved son, grandson, friend, avid skateboarder and comic book aficionado, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2021 at the tender age of 18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jesse was raised by his mother Amanda Galloway and stepfather Joe Galloway, along with father Danny Vega and stepmother Amber Vega. He is survived by his brothers Evan Vega and Joseph Galloway III, and sisters Rachel and Vanessa Galloway. 

Jesse was born in Corona, CA on May 16, 2003. He graduated from Harris Academy through Avon High School in 2021 and, like so many young people, was pondering where he fit in in the world and what contributions he wanted to make to it.  Jesse loved movies and flirted with the idea of working in film. He participated in some short films and had a number of ideas for movies of his own. Jesse has been skateboarding since age 8 and like so many skills he acquired in life, he was self taught. 

In recent years Jesse was learning to play the guitar and the keyboard in order to find new methods of personal expression. His sincere desire was, "..wanting kids to hear his music and feel like they relate." Jesse's music was expressly written for people who were experiencing the same kinds of hardships that he was personally suffering from in hopes he could ease their suffering. 
Jesse was a devoted friend to the friendless and to anyone who needed compassion and even protection.  He didn't like bullies and stood up for many peers if he felt they were being picked on. He checked in daily and often with those who he felt really needed it most. Jesse was hard working and devoted to perfection in whatever he put his mind and energy into. In fifth grade his love for football and work ethic earned Jesse a spot on the sixth grade squad. Twice a day during the season Jesse could be found running laps in full pads carrying a football to make sure he had the fitness and endurance to compete well.  

Jesse was a spiritual young man who was a seeker for truth and meaning in life. He investigated many Christian churches and was an avid practicioner of mindfulness meditation and explored Buddhism. He spent many hours in Washington Township Park being close to nature, which Jesse has loved since a young boy. He always wanted to be in the forest among nature. 
Jesse touched the lives of so many people; so many more than I think he ever realized. Despite 18 short years, he has made a lasting impact on others and enhanced the lives of everyone whom he knew and loved; and that, according to Ralph Waldo Emerson, is the ultimate measure of a successful life.

Jesse, we love you and you are dearly missed. 

Friends and family will gather at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 5 pm until 8 pm.  The funeral service will take place on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10 am at the Pavilion Center in Washington Township Park in Avon, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Department of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine or The Indiana University Psychotic Disorders Program.

Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana.  All are encouraged to share thoughts and memories with Jesse's family on his memorial page found on the funeral home's website, www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com .

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