Veteran of Springs Fire Department

Paul Pietrafesa found his calling when he became a volunteer firefighter for the city of Coral Springs.

“He wanted to make a difference and he felt he was making a difference there,” said his wife, Karen Pietrafesa.

Pietrafesa, a 12-year veteran at the Coral Springs Fire Department, died of cancer Nov. 23. He was 48.

After working as an auto mechanic for more than 20 years, Pietrafesa spent a year as a fire department volunteer. He was hired full-time in 2005. In early 2016, he was promoted to the position of driver engineer.

“He had the dream job,” his wife said. “He loved his crew that he was with. He loved going to work in the morning.”

When Pietrafesa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2015, he and his family made a bucket list that included a trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, zip lining in Ocala and frequent visits to Walt Disney World.

The most memorable experience, his wife said, was a trip to New York to see the 9/11 museum.

“A retired firefighter who was part of 9/11 showed us around town. It was amazing to hear him talk about it. It was very moving,” Karen Pietrafesa said.

Some of his colleagues from the Coral Springs Fire Department also flew to New York and surprised him on the trip, Pietrafesa said.

“That touched him,” she said. “It was the perfect trip.”

In October, the Coral Springs Fire Department held the inaugural Run Pauly Strong run — a 5K, 10K and 13K to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and help support Pietrafesa’s family.

“Firefighters have an even greater risk of developing cancer, simply because of job-related exposures,” according to the Run Pauly Strong website. “We will continue to help in the fight for a cure, any way we can.”

Pietrafesa is survived by his children Jacob, Samantha, Anthony and Emma, a sister, two half siblings and an aunt.

A fire service funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Heron Bay Marriott, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs.