Our condolences to the Gorumba family and the New York Fire Department. FireFighter Michael Gorumba, 27, of Engine Company 163, a probationary firefighter who graduated from the Fire Academy in July, died Tuesday, August 28, 2001. Michael died of an apparent heart attack while stretching hose at a 3 alarm auto body shop fire. Five other city workers were injured during the blaze. Officials report that flames were fueled by paint and other flammable liquids stored in the garage.

     Michael was a Transit Authority track worker and a security guard before joining the department. Michael was also a trained emergency medical technician who had recently applied to moonlight as a paramedic at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Staten Island. Michael had a heart murmur as a child but was very athletic. He underwent and passed a battery of tests before he joined the department. Michael also served in the United States Navy and attended Kingsborough and Sullivan County Community Colleges.

     Viewing hours will be Thursday and Friday, August 30 and 31, from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at the Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island, New York. A memorial funeral with honors will be held Saturday, September 1, 2001, 9:30AM, at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, Hylan Boulevard and Tysens Lane.

     Our brother, Michael, left a wife, Lori, a son, Andrew (2) and an unborn child. If you would like to make a donation in Michael Gorumba's name, please send it to the: