2004-01-06 Worcester Fire Lt. Richard W. Halvorsen LODD
Lt. Richard W. Halvorsen Worcester Fire Dept.
Friday, January 9, 2004
Richard W. Halvorsen, 50
WEST BOYLSTON- Lieutenant Richard W. Halvorsen, 50, loving husband and father of 10 Lee St. passed away Tues., Jan. 6th in the University of Massachusetts Hospital after being stricken ill. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Michelle (Zarozny) Halvorsen, a son, Keith R., two daughters, Erica M. and Lisa M. Halvorsen all at home, a brother, Retired Worc. Fire LT. David Halvorsen of Worcester, a sister, Deborah Ramos of Assonet, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Born in Worcester, his parents were Norman and Teresa (Cannon) Halvorsen. He graduated from St. Peters High, earned his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Quinsigamond Community College and his Bachelor's Degree from Anna Maria College. He has lived in West Boylston many years. Richard was a 26-year Fire Fighter for the City of Worcester joining the department in 1977, serving on Engine 4 on Winslow St., and Rescue 1 in Central Division. He then served as Lieutenant of Engine 1, Ladder 2 and was presently assigned Ladder 1 at Headquarters. An active member of the Worcester Fire Fighter Local 1009, he served as Vice President and Executive Board member. He was also a delegate to both monthly meetings and bi-annual conventions of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. He was a member of the Worcester Fire Relief Association and a bagpiper and co-founding member of the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipe & Drum Corp. He enjoyed sports, baking and his family.
The funeral will be held Sat., Jan.10th from the MERCADANTE FUNEAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10 a.m in St. George Church, 38 Brattle St. Burial will follow in Worc. County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hrs. are 4 to 8 p.m Fri., Jan. 9th. Memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Fire Fighters Union Local 1009 Scholarship Fund, 625 Chandler St., Worcester.
ARRANGEMENTS
Calling Hours: 01/09/04
4-8 p.m.
at the funeral home
Date of Funeral: 01/10/04
Funeral Home: Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel
370 Plantation St.
Location: Mass in St. George Church, 38 Brattle St.
Time: 10 a.m.
WORCESTER- Firefighters from throughout the state are expected here today to attend the funeral of Worcester Fire Lt. Richard W. Halvorsen, who died Tuesday in UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus after being stricken ill.
Officials said traffic around St. George Church, 38 Brattle St., may be disrupted for a short time for the 10 a.m. funeral.
Last night, Lt. Halvorsen, a 26-year veteran of the Fire Department, was remembered as a "dedicated firefighter and a man you never forget" by Fire Chief Gerard Dio and Firefighter Frank P. Raffa, president of Worcester Firefighters Local 1009.
Chief Dio said Lt. Halvorsen was one of the first people to welcome him to Central Division 24 years ago.
"He was on Rescue 1, and I was assigned to an Engine company - my first day on a firetruck," Chief Dio recalled. "He quickly became a good friend."
Chief Dio said Lt. Halvorsen came from a family of firefighters. His father, uncle, older brother and nephew answered the call.
Firefighter Raffa met Lt. Halvorsen in 1980 when he transferred to the Rescue Squad. It was a busy time for both men, Firefighter Raffa recalled, sometimes fighting two to three fires a night.
Both also were interested in union activities.
"We both cut our teeth in union politics together," he recalled.
Chief Dio said the lieutenant was a big man who had an imposing stature when he entered a room. He lifted weights. The lieutenant also loved baking.
"His forte was cooking, and the guys would sit around the kitchen table waiting for the Swedish bread he created," the union president said.
Lt. Halvorsen was a co-founding member of the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipe & Drum Corps. As an accomplished bagpiper, Chief Dio said, Lt. Halvorsen played frequently at events throughout the state, sometimes at the request of the state fire marshal.
"We are going to miss him every day," Mr. Raffa said. "He was a team player and a nice guy. When he walked into a room, the whole room lit up."
At 15, Halvorsen survived a cabin fire on Indian Hill on Dec. 29, 1968, that killed five of his Burncoat Senior High School classmates.
He joined the Fire Department in 1977, serving on Engine 4 on Winslow Street and Rescue 1 in Central Division. He then served as lieutenant of Engine 1 Ladder 2 and, at the time of his death, was assigned to Ladder 1 at headquarters.
Lt. Halvorsen, 50, lived at 10 Lee St., West Boylston. He leaves his wife, Michelle, a son, Keith R. Halvorsen, and two daughters, Erica M. and Lisa M. Halvorsen, all at home.
WORCESTER- Fire Capt. George Dubois, right, holds the fire helmet of Lt. Richard W. Halvorsen as the casket of his friend and fellow officer is lifted from a firetruck to be taken into St. George's Church, Brattle Street, for the funeral Mass.
At left, one firefighter holds a fire ax as others carry the casket into the church. Firefighters from throughout the state attended yesterday morning's service. Lt. Halvorsen, a 26-year veteran of the Fire Department, died Tuesday in UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus after being stricken ill. Lt. Halvorsen was a co-founder of the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipe & Drum Corps.
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