WATERTOWN, Mass. — He was a chef, a fisherman, talked endlessly about his family and loved showing up to work as a Watertown firefighter.
SCROLL TO WATCH FULL FUNERAL
"You will be remembered as an outstanding human being," said Watertown Deputy Chief Robert Quinn.
Hundreds of people have gathered to honor the life of fallen Watertown firefighter Joseph Toscano. Even for those who didn't know Toscano, he importance of the salute to service was not lost.
"It's all about tradition," said Marlborough Firefighter Mark Assencoa.
Toscano, a married father of 5, collapsed and died while working to extinguish a fire at a home on Friday. He was a 20-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department.
"My lifelong fear as a fireman's daughter came true...I am now living my worst nightmare," said Alyssa Toscano, daughter of Joe.
At the funeral Wednesday at St. Patrick's Church in Watertown, Quinn, friend Marcus DeFlorimonte and his daughter Alyssa.
Quinn detailed how Toscano became a firefighter, including growing up in New York after losing both his parents at a young age. He was hired in 1996 and quickly became the top chef in department, Quinn said, basing what to cook on whatever was on sale in the circulars.
Beyond being a chef and team member, Quinn said "he was my most trusted resource," while working as deputy chief.
Quinn explained Joe's love for photography and fishing, saying he would post "photo of the day" pictures while on vacation with his family.
"They were professional quality," said Quinn.
DeFlorimonte, a longtime friend, also told stories with laughs, remembering Joe as a dedicated family man.
"(The Toscanos) You were the center of his life, the core of his being, his heart and soul," he said.
DeFlorimonte said that Joe never missed a day of school from kindergartner through 12th grade and that never forgot his Long Island roots.
Daughter Alyssa told stories that gave insight into the family's everyday life and the love in their household.
SCROLL FOR DONATION INFORMATION
"My dad and I loved a share of cooking - ready to taste test. I would make the desserts and he would taste test," she said.
Alyssa also said their dad was invested in their lives, wanting them to love the outdoors as much as he did.
"We are so lucky to have a dad like him that blessed our lives," she said.
The priest summed up the eulogies saying, "We will never forget Joey T."
Following the funeral the body there was an event at a nearby American Legion for others to share memories of Joe.
A memorial fund has been set up to help Toscano’s family:
Donations can be sent to:
Watertown Firefighters Relief Association
Toscano Fund
99 Main St.
Watertown, MA 02472