Thousands Say Farewell To Fallen CFD Diver Juan Bucio

CHICAGO, IL -- Juan Bucio wasn’t thinking about the danger of jumping in the dirty water of the south branch of the Chicago River, he was thinking about doing a job. Thousands turned for the bilingual funeral mass of the fallen CFD driver at St. Rita of Cascia High School, which began at high noon on Monday. Bucio, one of ten siblings, was recalled as a man of few words but when he did speak everyone listened.

Bucio died in the line of duty on May 28 searching for a missing boater who had fallen into the Chicago River. Fire officials said he came separated from his partner in the water. It will be several more weeks before the cause of death is determined. The 46-year-old diver was a 15-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. Bucio was the father of two sons, Jacob, 10, and Joshua, 9.

Remarking on Bucio’s last social media post which was about the movie The Avengers, CFD Commissioner Jose Santiago said Bucio was a superhero in his own right.

“He was quiet, steady and calm,” Santiago said. “He was the go-to guy.”

A silver bell was rung signaling Bucio’s end of watch and the bilingual funeral mass. Friends, family and colleagues streamed out of St. Rita into the warm June afternoon. A fire engine carrying the flag-draped casket turned on to Western Avenue beginning its final journey to Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Stickney.

Funeral procession for fallen CFD Diver Juan Bucio (begins at 23:00)

~ Photos by Patch Editor Lorraine Swanson