FDNY Lt. Joseph Maiello, 53, who died while on-duty, was a dedicated dad, friend to many
- Updated: Dec. 28, 2021, 2:17 p.m.|
- Published: Dec. 28, 2021, 1:09 p.m.
City Fire Department Lt. Joe Maiello was a family man first, a 22-year veteran firefighter, friend, and bartender with a smile for everyone. (Courtesy of Laura Yanes)Courtesy of Laura Yanes
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- City Fire Department Lt. Joe Maiello, 53, was a family man first, a 22-year veteran firefighter, friend, and bartender with a smile for everyone.
Maiello
was discovered unconscious and pronounced dead while on-duty at his firehouse, Engine Company 163 and Ladder Company 83, on Dec. 26, 2021.
Born in Brooklyn, Maiello was a graduate of Xaverian High School in Brooklyn. He attended Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Tech and earned a bachelor’s degree.
He began his career as a teacher at PS 205 in Brooklyn, like his parents, who were both teachers, and his father, who was a principal.
Lt. Joseph Maiello with his wife, Irene, and daughter and son, Cecilia and Jake. (Family photo)
“When he was a little boy, I would take him up 69th Street in the stroller and we’d visit the firehouse and he could ride the poles. We would stop every day, and he always loved it. If we were having dinner or anything, if he heard a siren, he would get up and go follow it as far as he could. It was his dream,” said Eileen Maiello, the FDNY lieutenant’s mother. “He sat with me. He said, ‘Mom, I want to do this. This is my dream. Do you think dad will be OK with it?’ I told him to follow his dream. His father was thrilled. He absolutely loved being a fireman.”
Lt. Joseph Maiello with his wife, Irene. (Family photo)
A FAMILY MAN
Maiello met his wife, Irene, on a blind date. “My sister and a friend set us up,” said his wife. “It was a really awkward first date. But he called me the next day and the rest is history.”
The couple have two children, Jake and Cecilia.
“Joe was as dedicated to his profession as he was to his family,” said his wife, Irene. “He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, colleague and friend. He was loved by all who knew him. He always had a smile and an insightful comment; he was just that type of guy. We are heartbroken by this loss.”
Maiello spent time volunteering at both PS 30 in Westerleigh when his children were students there and at IS 51.
“Mr. Maiello was always a big part of the PS 30 community,” said Alan Ihne, principal of PS 30. “Whenever there was an event, he generously donated his time and always brought a positive attitude. He was a genuinely good person and he will be missed.”
Maiello loved to cook and was a highly touted cook and a bartender at the Nicotra’s Hilton Garden Inn, working special events, since 2013.
Lt. Joseph Maiello with his daughter and son, Cecilia and Jake. (Family photo)
“Our work family is heartbroken. Joe was part of the special events team and working long hours and holidays together makes us all feel a special bond. Joe always had a kind word for colleagues and guests, and just a few weeks ago he expressed to us that he was so happy to be back with us at the Hilton after the pandemic related closures,” said Richard and Lois Nicotra in a written statement. “Joe worked two jobs and never complained. He was always grateful to be at work at the Hilton and so good natured. He proudly shared updates on Jake and Cecilia, and brought his friendly smile and attitude to bartending events. He made our guests feel welcome and cared for and he is already missed. Our Nicotra family is devastated. We are in touch with Joe’s family and friends to offer support.”
FDNY CAREER
Maiello joined the FDNY in August, 1999. As a “probie,” he started at L148 then he worked at E 325/L 163 in Queens, which is where he was working on 9/11. He spent most of his career between L148/E282 BN48 in Brooklyn and Ladder Company 83, Westerleigh, just a few blocks from his home.
He was promoted to lieutenant from L148 in February, 2020, where he served as a firefighter, mentor, and company delegate for many years.
“Joseph Maiello gave this city 22 years of distinguished service – on some of our brightest days, and in some of our darkest hours. That service will never be forgotten,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “He left this city safer and stronger than he found it. We all mourn his loss and send our deepest condolences to his family, his department, and all who loved him.”
Said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro: “Much was asked of Joseph Maiello in his outstanding career as a New York City Firefighter. As a young member of the Department on September 11, he responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center and for years to come he courageously fought fires and protected residents in Brooklyn. As a veteran member 20 years later, he was promoted to Lieutenant and led his fellow firefighters to fires and emergencies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The entire Department mourns the loss of this brave Lieutenant who dedicated his life to serving and saving others.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matthew Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Meiers Corners with a mass on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Holy Family R.C. Church, Westerleigh.
Visitation will be Wednesday 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being created by the FDNY Foundation. Donations in memory of Lt. Joseph Maiello can be made by going to the
FDNY foundation page and selecting the Lt. Joseph W. Maiello Children’s Scholarship Fund.
Lt. Joseph Maiello with his wife, Irene, and daughter and son, Cecilia and Jake. (Family photo)
'He was loved by all who knew him. He always had a smile and an insightful comment; he was just that type of guy. We are heartbroken by this loss.'
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