(MCT) — CHICAGO — The sanctuary was filled to capacity at Central Avenue Synagogue in Highland Park, Ill., Tuesday as mourners said tearful goodbyes to Aaron Swartz, an Internet prodigy described by several people who eulogized him as brilliant, funny, provocative and out to make the world a better place.

Facing a trial on charges that he illegally downloaded millions of academic journal articles, and the possibility of a long prison sentence if convicted, Swartz hanged himself in his New York apartment Friday. He was 26.