Pelham firefighters saluted one of their fallen brethren with a cigar- smoking gathering on Monday, July 21, after learning of the sudden death of veteran firefighter Howard Mastropiero.

Mastropiero, 48, a firefighter with the Pelham Fire Department for 11 years, had been vacationing out of state with his wife and three daughters when he died of a heart attack Wednesday, July 16.

Chief Michael Walker described Mastropiero as a “good man, good father and a good husband.”

“You look at yourself and you wonder, ‘I wish that I could be like him,’” Walker said. “I never heard him say a bad word about anybody. He was always upbeat and supportive. He will do anything for you.”

Mastropiero – who routinely worked out with Walker in the mornings – was an asset to the fire department and to the community, he said.

He had just begun taking more of a leadership position within the department.

“Right now we’re grieving,” Walker said. “Everyone here loved him; the community loved him. We’re going to find out what we can do for him.”

Outside of the Pelham Fire Department, the flag flies at half staff and traditional drape of dark purple bunting hangs over the station to signify the loss.

On Monday, July 21, Walker joined with others to mourn Mastropiero’s passing and in a small ceremony held at a cigar store in Pelham where he used to purchase his cigars. His funeral was held that day at Londonderry Presbyterian Church.