By Mari A. Schaefer
The Philadelphia Inquirer
LOWER CHICHESTER, Pa. — Lower Chichester’s Engine 39 carried the flag-draped casket of Lt. Nicholas Picozzi II to his funeral yesterday as hundreds of firefighters from as far away as New York state and Washington stood and saluted their fallen comrade.
Picozzi, 35, a volunteer firefighter from Lower Chichester, was laid to rest yesterday with a full-honors funeral.
He died March 5 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center after he was pulled from a burning house in the 100 block of Moser Street in Upper Chichester.
Two ladder trucks, one from Claymont, Del., and the other from Marcus Hook, supported a giant American flag framing an entryway leading to the steps of Holy Saviour Church in Lower Chichester.
During the funeral, Picozzi was remembered as a father, son, loving husband, dedicated firefighter, and hero.
And as someone who was the “first out the door,” whether it was for a fire or for recess as a child.
He “was not a person to sit at a desk,” said the Rev. Michael Gerlach of Holy Saviour Church. He credited Picozzi, a longtime member of the parish, with inventing the phrase “I’m outta here” when the school bell rang.
Father Gerlach recognized the “hard sacrifice families make to provide first responders for our community.”
During the eulogy, Eddie Hearn called Picozzi a hero who was always “full of spirit and energy,” and who loved his family and was very proud of his two sons, Anthony, 13, and Daniel, 11.
“I salute you Lt. Nick Picozzi for a life well-done,” Hearn said, raising his arm to his forehead.
Picozzi, from the Linwood area of Lower Chichester, loved hunting and fishing, and was a Flyers and NASCAR fan.
Three other firefighters were injured in the blaze, none seriously. Picozzi’s father, Nicholas Picozzi Sr., a member of the fire police, was at the scene and watched as his son was rushed away. He later spent the night at the hospital after falling ill.
Picozzi was a volunteer member of both the Lower Chichester and Boothwyn fire companies. Firefighters from both companies acted as his pall bearers.
At Lawn Croft Cemetery, Picozzi’s sons carried their father’s fire helmet to the grave site followed by firefighters bearing his casket.
A bugler played “Taps” as the flag was folded and presented to his wife, Stephanie.
A PennStar medevac helicopter flew into a nearby area of the cemetery and dipped a salute before flying off.
“He was an awesome man,” said Bob Allison, 39, of Coatesville, a family friend and fellow firefighter. “He was loved by all.”
“His task complete, his duties well done, Lt. Nicholas Picozzi has returned to quarters and is now relieved of duty,” an announcer said at the conclusion of the services.
How to Help
Contributions may be made to the Nicholas Picozzi II Memorial Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, 657 Conchester Highway, Boothwyn, Pa. 19061, or to the Anthony and Daniel Picozzi Trust Fund, c/o Sun East Federal Credit Union, 4500 Pennell Rd., Aston, Pa. 19014.