A Boston firefighter and new father died unexpectedly the day after Christmas.
Lieutenant Joseph “Joe” Hurley died on Dec. 26 in Boston at the age of 43.
Hurley was remembered in his obituary as being loyal, selfless, generous, sarcastic, funny and “all-around great man.”
“He was known to be quick-witted and never took long to provide a laugh or a pick on the DraftKings app. Jokingly, Joe was loved by all while only liking a few,” his obituary read. “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.”
He and his wife, Kimberly, welcomed a baby girl on Oct. 29.
“For those eight short weeks, Joe was the most doting, loving, fun, and attentive dad to his ‘Emmy Baby,“ the obituary read. ”He woke up every morning telling Kim, ‘Look at her! Can you believe she’s ours? We have a perfect baby girl.‘”
He also loved body surfing in the ocean, looking for sea glass, toss a football and playing hockey.
Hurley served in the U.S. Army. After his service, Hurley followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, a veteran of the Boston Fire Department, and father, a retired Somerville Fire Chief, and joined the Boston Fire Department.
“His life was devoted to serving his country, city, and everyone around him due to his selfless and generous nature,” the obituary read.
Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, which is located at 2055 Centre St. in Boston. The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, which is located at 2078 Centre St. in Boston.
