Pottstown firefighter remembered for service

POTTSTOWN » Area firefighters and first responders filled St. Aloysius Church on Beech Street on Friday to honor Michael Sedlock Jr., 65, a career firefighter for Pottstown who passed away Sunday.

Family, friends and fellow firefighters made their way into the church to pay their respects, remembering Sedlock’s long career, sense of humor and dedication to his job.

“Mike and I worked in the same platoon for over 15 years,” said Neil Fuerman of Sanatoga Fire Company. “We worked the same 24-hour shift for 15 years. He was a great man to work with. He knew his job, he had a great sense of humor and he’s going to be sorely missed.”

“Mikey’s years of firefighting experience and firehouse antics will be missed by all of us,” said a post on North End Fire Company’s Facebook page.

According to his obituary, Sedlock was a 1971 graduate of Pottstown High School and is survived by his wife, Julia Ann (Wrobel) Sedlock and his daughter, Amanda F. Sedlock and her fiancée Ryan Flynn. He is also survived by two sisters, Renee, wife of Jeffrey Kline and Roxane, wife of Pasqual Romano.

Sedlock had retired in February of this year after serving as a firefighter for almost 50 years. His career began as a junior firefighter with North End and the Pottstown Fire Department on May 16, 1969. He then rose through the ranks to serve as 1st Assistant Chief and was hired as a full-time firefighter in 1988, according to North End Fire Company.

Following the funeral, uniformed first responders saluted as his casket was carried from the church adorned with an American flag. Fire trucks representing multiple area departments and companies processed down North Hanover Street and onto Prospect Street, briefly stopping at North End Fire Company. Once there, engine 69 sounded its siren followed by a moment of silence.

Black bunting could be seen draped over the doors of the firehouse garage and in the driveway sat a wreath of yellow and white flowers along with Sedlock’s helmet and other gear. As the procession passed underneath a ladder arch erected by Ringing Hill and Sanatoga fire companies, it continued to St. Aloysius Cemetery where a second ladder arch was set up by Pottstown Fire Department and Sedlock was laid to rest. make friends with them and share stories. Sometimes you might be the only person they see that day. Most are seniors, but some are younger who have no way of getting out.”

Tickets for the Silver Foxes Fashion Show, which includes brunch, are $40 and are available at Eventbrite.com, or at Montco SAAC, 536 George St., Norristown, or Montco SAAC, 45 Forest Ave., Ambler.

For sponsorship or raffle donation inquiries, contact Melissa Buckminster at mbuckminster@montcosaac.com or call 610275-1960.

TOM KELLY III – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Firefighters carry the casket of volunteer and career fire-fighter Michael Sedlock Jr. from St. Aloysius Church during the funeral ceremony on Friday. Sedlock served the fire service for almost 50 years.

MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Firefighters gave a salute as Pottstown career firefighter Michael Sedlock Jr. was taken to his final resting place in St. Aloysius Cemetery.

MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A wreath of yellow and white flowers was placed next to the helmet and gear of deceased Pottstown firefighter Michael Sedlock Jr. on Friday at North End Fire Company. Sedlock was remembered for his nearly 50 years firefighting with the Pottstown...