Fallen Watertown Firefighter 'A Man of Great Integrity and Honor,' Family Says

WATERTOWN, MA – Watertown firefighter Joseph Toscano was "an exceptional husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law and friend to many," his family said Friday. Toscano, 54, a married father of five, died Friday morning after collapsing at the scene of a two-alarm fire on Merrifield Avenue.

Toscano's death prompted an outpouring of support from police and fire departments across the state, as well as church and elected officials, for a man with a "heart of gold."

In a statement Friday, Toscano's family painted a picture of a loving man who cherished his family, friends and career as a firefighter. Read the Toscano family's tribute to Joseph below:

“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. Joe took immense pride and joy in being a husband to Maureen, his wife of 25 years, and dad to Alyssa, Patrick, Mary Cate, William and Michael. 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. Along with being an exceptional husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law and friend to many, Joe loved being a Watertown Firefighter.

Joe was a master craftsman. He built the home he shared with his family with his own hands. A gourmet chef, Joe was known for his pizzas and his special mussels dish and was the unofficial Watertown Fire Station chef. Joe always made time for you — regardless of what he was doing. He was a man of great integrity and honor. Joe’s work ethic, generosity and kindness touched everyone he knew. He was a dedicated and energetic volunteer at Incarnation Camp of Connecticut, which he attended as a child and worked at as an adult for nearly four decades.

This is an unthinkable loss for our family. Joe’s loving spirit will be with us forever."

Preliminary reports say Toscano may have died of a heart attack, but his death remains under investigation.

Image via Newton Police Department