Funeral Services Set For Montgomery County Firefighter Who Died On Duty

BURTONSVILLE, MD — The Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department announced the funeral arrangements for Charles "Rick" Gentilcore, a Montgomery County firefighter who died while on duty at Burtonsville Fire Station 15 Friday afternoon.

A viewing will take place from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hines Rinaldi Funeral Home at 11800 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring.

A full fire department memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Covenant Life Church at 7501 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Gaithersburg.

Interment will immediately follow the post-funeral processional at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 13801 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring.

See Related: Montgomery County Firefighter Dies On Duty

In lieu of flowers, the Gentilcore family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department. Information about donating can be found here.

The Fire Department describes Gentilcore's passing as a "tragic, unexpected loss."

Gentilcore, 52, of Bowie, was found unresponsive in the fire station by co-workers at around 3:30 p.m. Friday. The cause of death has not been determined yet.

Gentilcore was a 23-year member of the MCFRS. He first served as a volunteer with the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department for 11 years, and most recently worked as a career fire fighter rescuer for 12 years.

He leaves behind a wife and son.

"The members of IAFF Local 1664 are deeply saddened by the line of duty death of our fallen brother. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the Gentilcore family during this extraordinarily difficult time," Jeffrey Buddle, President of the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1664, said in a statement.

Gov. Larry Hogan ordered the state flag to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for Gentilcore.

Photo: MCFRS