The Boston Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own, Boston Fire Lt. Joseph “Joe” Hurley, a married father who died unexpectedly the day after Christmas.
Hurley, a U.S. Army veteran whose passing is the third firefighter death in Massachusetts since Dec. 21, died unexpectedly on Thursday in Boston, according to his obituary. He was 43.
“His life was devoted to serving his country, city, and everyone around him due to his selfless and generous nature,” his obituary states.
Hurley, who grew up in a family of firefighters, leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their infant daughter, Emerson Joy, who was born in late October, his obituary states.
Hurley served the Boston Fire Department for several years, eventually being promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Born in Boston, he grew up on the beaches of Scituate.
“Joe loved the ocean – body surfing the waves, tossing a football, and looking for sea glass. He was also a hockey player, Boston sports enthusiast, and more recently a University of Michigan football fanatic,” his obituary states.
After serving in the Army, Hurley joined the Boston Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, John, a veteran of the Boston Fire Department, and his father, a retired Somerville Fire Chief.
Hurley recently relished becoming a new father, after he and his wife “were given their greatest blessing when they welcomed their baby girl Emerson Joy” on Oct. 29, his obituary states.
“For those eight short weeks, Joe was the most doting, loving, fun, and attentive dad to his ‘Emmy Baby,’” his obituary states. “He woke up every morning telling Kim, ‘Look at her! Can you believe she’s ours? We have a perfect baby girl.’”
He was devoted to protecting and providing for his wife and daughter, “The best husband, the best dad,” his obituary states.
“Joe will be always remembered as the most loyal, generous, sarcastic, funny, and all-around great man – always dressed in his finest sweats and sandals year-round,” his obituary states.
“He was known to be quick-witted and never took long to provide a laugh or a pick on the DraftKings app,” his obituary states. “Jokingly, Joe was loved by all while only liking a few. Regardless, no matter if you knew Joe for five minutes or five years, you would come to know and love him as he always made everyone feel at home.”
Boston is the third fire department in Massachusetts mourning the loss of one of their own in recent days.
Avon Firefighter Justin Powers, who also worked as a paramedic, died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve.
Brockton Firefighter Jeffrey Albanese died on Dec. 21, nearly two weeks after suffering a cardiac emergency on Dec. 9 while responding to a call.
There was no immediate word on the cause of Hurley’s death.
A funeral Mass is planned on Tuesday in St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 2078 Centre St., Boston. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Scituate.
For more information about funeral arrangements, visit this website.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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