Joseph Matthew McEwen

Joseph Matthew McEwen, 24, of Mount Dora, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 8, 2016 shortly after relocating to Washington, D.C.

Joseph was born in Orlando, Florida on January 20, 1992. A life-long resident of Mount Dora, Joseph graduated from Tavares High School in 2010, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Spanish at Florida International University in 2015 and an Associate’s Degree in Business from Lake Sumter State College in 2013. Throughout High School and College, Joseph worked at several Publix Supermarkets where he made many friends.

Fluent in Spanish, Joseph enjoyed teaching English and Civics in Miami to recent immigrants and refugees preparing for the U.S. Naturalization Exam. During the 2016 Presidential Campaign, Joseph worked as a nationwide coordinator and volunteer supervisor at the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. Joseph was living in Arlington, Virginia, and preparing to begin a career as a Government Analyst when he passed away in the prime of his life.

Joseph was a bright, smart, compassionate man with a beautiful soul. He was funny and full of life. He cared about the environment and the less fortunate, loved helping people and learning about other cultures, and planned to one day live in a Spanish-speaking country. Joseph shared his passion for Horror films and chocolate with his mother and anyone who would join him, loved Stephen King novels, working out with his cousin, Cory, and sharing ideas about how to make the world a better place. He will be missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.


Joseph is survived by his parents, Ralph and Janell McEwen, Mount Dora, FL; his brother, Jacob McEwen, Mount Dora, FL; grandparents, George and Barbara Johnston, Marietta, OH; grandmother, Maryellen McEwen, Mount Dora, FL; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life service will be held at Harden/Pauli Funeral Home Chapel, Eustis on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 12:00 Noon. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph's name to International Rescue Committee , 730 NW 107 Ave. Suites 100 Miami, Florida 33172 305-640-9881 ext.36. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.