Read the obituary for Maine fire chief Gary Sacco
The leader of the Oxford Fire and Rescue Department suffered a medical emergency while attending the funeral of another firefighter, who died in the line of duty.
Gary Sacco.
A Maine fire chief, who died Sunday after suffering a medical emergency while attending the funeral of a fallen colleague, is being remembered by his loved ones for his dedication to his profession and helping others.
Gary Sacco, 63, of Poland, Maine, most recently served as chief for the Oxford Fire and Rescue Department, previously leading the New Gloucester Fire Department, according to his obituary.
“He was very passionate about firefighting, everything it involved and helping people,” his loved ones wrote. “It was a true calling for him.”
Visiting hours for Sacco will be held Friday in Auburn, Maine, while a funeral service celebrating his life will take place in South Paris on Saturday.
Read the full obituary, shared by the Fortin Group, below:
PORTLAND: Gary Joseph Sacco, 63, of Poland passed away on Sunday March 10, 2019 at Maine Medical Center in Portland shortly after honoring one of his fallen brothers of the Fire Department. He was born in Portland, ME on November 1, 1955 a son of the late Arthur and Mary (Mellen) Sacco. He grew up in the Portland area and attended local schools there. Shortly after high school, Gary became involved with various Fire and Rescue Departments. He later became Fire Chief for the Town of New Gloucester and also represented the Poland Fire Dept. and most currently, was serving as Chief for the Oxford Fire and Rescue Dept. He was very passionate about firefighting, everything it involved and helping people. It was a true calling for him. He was a current member of the Italian Heritage Center in Portland, the Maine Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Coastal Mutual Aid and was an instructor with the Maine Fire Service Institute. He was a past member of the Metro Fire Chiefs. On September 28, 2013 he married Sandra Samson in Portland and the two of them spent several wonderful years together. Gary will always be remembered for his love of serving others. He also loved spending time with his wife at their “Happy Place” on the water enjoying the warmth and sunshine. Gary was adventurous and creative. He also enjoyed the game of golf. He loved animals, especially his dogs, Marble “Marbs” and Kaci “Lynn”. He will be greatly missed by many family, friends and colleagues.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Sandra “Sandi” Sacco of Poland; his children, Laurie Sacco of Portland and Anthony Sacco of Bangor; his step-children, Toby Lebel and his fiancée Cristie along with their daughter Lillee of Poland and Todd Lebel and his wife Ashley of Lewiston and his “Papa’s Girl” Corinne “Rose Marie Johnson”. He also leaves behind his sisters, Debra Burke and her husband William of Old Orchard Beach, Mary Woods and her husband James of South Portland and Clara Sacco also of South Portland; his grandchildren, Corey, Marissa, Joe, Mercedes, Anthony and Nevaeh; his great-grandchildren, Kylee, Julian and Hunter and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Mary Sacco, his father Arthur Sacco and his brother Wayne Sacco.
Visiting hours will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Friday March 15, 2019 from 5-9pm. A funeral service celebrating his life will take place at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School 256 Main St. South Paris, ME on Saturday March 16, 2019 at 11am. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Gary’s memory to the Oxford Fireman’s Association 701 Main St. Oxford, ME 04270 to support the Oxford, Poland and New Gloucester Fire & Rescue Depts.Condolences may be shared with Gary’s family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
