Watertown firefighter was father of 5, craftsman, chef

RANDOPLH, Mass. — Randolph and Watertown are mourning the loss of a firefighter who died of a heart attack while fighting a blaze Friday afternoon.

Joseph Toscano worked for the Watertown Fire Department but lived in Randolph with his wife, Maureen, and five children, Alyssa, Patrick, Mary Cate, William and Michael.

"They always do activities in the back, they're just very family oriented," said Angela Huynh, a neighbor of the Toscano family.

The family released a statement Friday night, saying they were devastated by the loss of their father and husband.

"Family was at the center of Joe’s life and defined him. Along with being an exceptional husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law and friend to many, Joe loved being a Watertown Firefighter," the statement said.

Joseph was a craftsman and built the family's Randolph home himself. He also loved cooking, known for his pizzas, mussels and the delicious meals he cooked at the Watertown Fire Station.

"He was a man of great integrity and honor. Joe’s work ethic, generosity and kindness touched everyone he knew. He was a dedicated and energetic volunteer at Incarnation Camp of Connecticut, which he attended as a child and worked at as an adult for nearly four decades," the statement said.

Cars lined in streets where the Toscanos live, with friends and family coming together in a time of loss.

"They're just great neighbors in the neighborhood," said Susan Ingram, another neighbor.

The Toscanos are members of a local church and a staff member said Joseph was very involved and dedicated to the parish.

The city of Watertown has pledged to support the family in any way it can.

Toscano's body is expected to be transferred to the medical examiner Saturday. Arrangements are currently being organized.

Full Statement:

"Our family is devastated by the loss we suffered today as our loving husband and father was taken from us suddenly while responding to a fire. Joe took immense pride and joy in being a husband to Maureen, his wife of 25 years, and Dad to Alyssa, Patrick, Mary Cate, William and Michael. You can see Joe's warmth, kindness, curiosity for life and love of the outdoors reflected in his five extraordinary children. Family was at the center of Joe's life and defined him. Along with being an exceptional husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law and and friend to many, Joe loved being a Watertown Firefighter.

"Joe was a master craftsman. He built the home he shared with his family with his own hands. A gourmet chef, Joe was known for his pizzas and his special mussels dish and was the unofficial Watertown Fire Station chef. Joe always made time for you -- regardless of what he was doing. He was a man of great integrity and honor. Joe's work ethic, generosity and kindness touched everyone he knew. He was a dedicated and energetic volunteer at Incarnation Camp of Connecticut, which he attended as a child and worked at as an adult for nearly four decades.

"This is an unthinkable loss for our family. Joe’s loving spirit will be with us forever."

Cox Media Group