North Attleborough firefighter is laid to rest
By Jordan Mazza
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, MA (WLNE) — There was a stillness over North Attleborough Saturday during the funeral for a fallen firefighter Saturday.
Chris Cornetta, 51, died after removing snow from his driveway Monday.
“He was outgoing,” said retired Attleboro Fire Chief Ronald Churchill. “Not just on the job but in his community. There were so many people there that had no connection to the fire service.”
Cornetta was involved in multiple community activities like coaching youth sports.
“Served his community very well,” said family friend Paul Catalano. “Heartbroken.”
The funeral procession Saturday passed the fire station where he served for almost 30 years.
Fellow firefighters from across the area came to pay their respects.
They say Cornetta was also known for his sense of humor – including at the firehouse.
“He purposely reversed the doors upside down just to see if anyone would catch it and put them back,” Churchill said. “And I understand the guys are going to leave that until this station falls down.”
It’s just one reminder of a man people here say they’ll keep close to their hearts.
“Excellent, great guy,” said family friend Kim Catalano of North Attleborough. “Very well–liked. Happy, outgoing. True hero.”
Cornetta is survived by a wife and two children.
©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019
