‘A TRUE GENTLEMAN’
Firefighter remembered for love of family, passion for life
Joseph A. Toscano was a 20-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department, but that was only one part of a man devoted to his family and passionate about whipping up meals whose “loving spirit will be with us forever,” his family said last night.
Toscano, 54, died yesterday after rushing into a burning home to help put out the blaze.
“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,” the family said in a statement. “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.”
He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Maureen, and five children — Alyssa, Patrick, Mary Cate, William and Michael. They range in age from 12 to 19.
Toscano lived in Randolph in the house he built with “his own hands,” the family said.
“This is an unthinkable loss for our family. Joe’s loving spirit will be with us forever,” the family added. “Joe’s work ethic, generosity and kindness touched everyone he knew.”
His fellow firefighters said they are devastated by the loss of a loyal colleague.
“If I had to say anything about Joe, it’s that ‘ firefighter’ was number three on his list of accomplishments,” firefighter union president Rob Mannix said yesterday. “He was as good a father as I’ve ever seen, a great husband and one of the best cooks here.
“He was a true, true gentleman — a guy who would do anything for you,” Mannix added. “He had a heart of gold, and he will be missed.”
Toscano was known for his steadiness at the scene and his death has hit his friends like a hard body blow.
“We never expect this day to happen, but it happened. It really gives you a punch to the face to see this happen,” said Deputy Chief Bob Quinn. “He left this morning to go to work like he did every day, and to have this happen was pretty devastating and pretty bad.”
Quinn said he and Toscano were looking ahead to the night’s dinner. Instead of St. Patrick’s Day fare like corned beef and cabbage, Toscano had something more ambitious in mind.
“Shrimp and chorizo over pasta,” Quinn said. “That was the planned meal.”
Local and state politicians also mourned Toscano’s death.
“Our commonwealth is grateful for the incredible service and dedication of our first responders who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and I am heartbroken to learn of the loss of firefighter Toscano,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Watertown Fire Department during this difficult time.”
Town Manager Michael Driscoll said, “We’ve lost a fallen hero. Our community will assist firefighter Toscano’s family during this very difficult time, and we will continue to offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones and extended family.”
Town Councilor Angie Kounelis, who visited the scene and whose district contains the site of the fire, said, “It’s devastating. We are grieving. We grieve as a community. It’s a sad day for Watertown.”
Toscano was a member of the tightly knit Group 2 in the fire department and had been Quinn’s aide and driver for the past 12 years.
“When I became deputy chief I had the opportunity to select who I wanted, and I selected Joe,” Quinn said, saying Toscano was a “very experienced” firefighter.
“I always admired how he was a good firefighter and a smart man. He just knew what to do, and I could rely on him to do anything I needed to in a fire scene.”
Quinn met Toscano’s family at the hospital and said they were devastated, and Mannix concurred, saying they had lost “the biggest thing in their lives.”