ROSCOE  — Friends, family, community and firefighters alike gathered as a Firematics service was held in the honor of Peter Passaro Sr.

Passaro passed at the age of 81 on March 18. He had a career that strongly diplayed his unwavering loyalty to his country and those around him. In addition to being a loyal life member and Past Chief of the Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department, he served his nation with dignity in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969, and was also a Member of the American Legion Post #315 in Roscoe.

He also was a member of the Sullivan County Fire Police Association, a member of the Kinch Hill Hunting Club and a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The Firematic Service was held on March 25 at the Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe The service was led by Elton Harris, the Funeral Director and Chaplain of the Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department. Honor guard was present to stand at the vigil.

Harris described Passaro as a real person highly regarded by all who knew him as a fellow firefighter.

He encouraged those present to reflect on these prayers together, in a true spirit of brotherhood and fraternal charity, “realizing that someday we too will join the ranks of former firefighters.”

The first of the prayers recited was Psalm 23.

“Because of Pete Passaro and other firefighters, our lives are free. Because of them our families live. Because of them our homes are blessed,” stated Harris. “Let us not shroud our memory with thoughts of sorrow. Tears or words of sympathy cannot bring back the comfort of those loving hands.”

Harris then spoke directly to the family, relatives and intimate friends of our beloved, departed firefighter.

“We realize how futile mere words are to express our deep and abiding sympathy in your loss,” Harris consoled, “May you be consoled with our promise to continue devotion to the firefighting, and for the protection of property, and life of our fellow man.”

He then asked everyone to recite together the Lord’s Prayer. Following this, the ringing of the bell was held with five chimes. A Walk-Through was then held with uniformed members delivering one final salute and tribute to Passaro.

A private burial was held in the Beaverkill Cemetery. Please see Passaro’s obituary on page 2B of this edition.