Hometown Heroes: Remembering Jake Deware for his kindness and compassion

The emotions are still raw in the aftermath of a tragedy that took the life of Jake Deware, the 20-year-old Belmont man who died in a dirt-bike accident in November. But the impact of Jake’s life is clear to all who knew him.

Deware died at the scene, an open, hilly area of Canterbury, after colliding with his 21-year-old cousin during a dirt biking accident at a family gathering.

Once news of the tragedy spread, nominations for our initial Hometown Hero were emailed to the Monitor, illustrating that Deware was a clear choice because of everything he had done for so many others during his short life.

In the aftermath, despite unimaginable pain, Deware’s mother, Jenn Deware, spoke about the loss of her son while fighting to keep her emotions in check.

“He was an unbelievably good soul,” Jenn said. “I want people to know he had a huge heart.”

Stories from others, focused on Jake Deware’s unselfishness and kindness, spilled out after his death. Like the time he pulled aside a quiet middle school teammate playing on the varsity level at Belmont High School, making sure he knew he was part of the team and showing him around the school.

And rushing home and returning with a jack to change a stranger’s tire. Even the simple things were part of Jake’s life. Like running across the field after a high school soccer game to shake hands with the opposing goalie.

Jake also worked with kids who felt they were on the outside, looking in. Kids who were timid. Kids who needed a friend.

Jaxson Embree, now 13, bonded with Jake over their shared love for dirt bike riding.

“It was so great to have him in my life,” Jaxson said. “My parents and brother didn’t know anything about dirt bikes, but if I needed anything fixed, he was always there. We would mountain bike and dirt bike, and we’d go frog hunting.”

Jake started his own lawn care business as a kid and kept it going. He also worked for Penco Plumbing and Heating. He was taking night courses for his certification.

“He was flourishing,” Jenn Deware said.

Jake leaves many family, friends and even strangers who were profoundly touched by his giving spirit.