Firefighters Gather For Funeral Of Fallen Watertown Colleague

Hundreds of firefighters gathered in Watertown Wednesday to remember one of their colleagues.

Watertown firefighter Joseph Toscano died Friday after he collapsed while fighting a house fire.

Toscano leaves behind a wife and five children. His daughter Alyssa spoke during the funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Watertown Wednesday.

Surrounded by her siblings and holding back tears, she recalled how her father managed to juggle work, his many talents, and being a devoted father.

"As busy as my dad was between working at the fire station, rebuilding houses, creating various projects, and making artwork in his wood shop in the basement, he would still find plenty of time to spend with us."

Alyssa went on to say she always feared this day would come. "I'm now living my worst nightmare," she said.

Toscano, a Randolph resident, was 54 years old and had been with the Watertown Fire Department for more than 20 years.

Gov. Charlie Baker ordered flags lowered to half-staff at all state buildings Wednesday to honor Toscano.

With reporting by WBUR's Shawn Bodden

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Joseph Toscano's daughter. We regret the error.