Hartford Courant
(TNS)
Hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, friends, colleagues, and community members joined the family of fallen Plainville firefighter Raymond “Ray” Moreau for a final farewell at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain on Saturday.
Moreau, a 35-year veteran of the fire department and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, died Sunday when a piece of a fire truck broke free and struck him at the scene of a house fire at 45 Maria Road, according to Connecticut State Police. State police have not elaborated on the accident but said it caused “catastrophic injuries.”
Inside a packed auditorium on Saturday, Moreau was remembered not just as a firefighter, but a loving husband, uncle, brother, mentor, teammate, and beloved colleague for many. For others in attendance, he was simply a well-known fixture in the community, often seen bowling at the town’s Lessard Lanes or eating his favorite dish of mac and cheese at the popular local hot dog restaurant ‘Saints.’
“Plainville is a small town, everyone knows each other,” said Plainville resident Aurora Pedrolini. “This really has shaken the entire Plainville community to its core. If you lived in Plainville, you probably knew Ray. He was a big part of our town.”
“Seeing so many faces here shows how much support we have. I think that shows just how strong this community really is,” she said.
Police and fire trucks lined overpasses Saturday morning to drape American flags over Route 72 as Moreau’s body was driven from his hometown of Plainville to New Britain for the funeral services.
Moreau, who joined the fire department in July 1990, volunteered for tens of thousands of hours in the community, officials said. As a member of the department for over three decades, Moreau was a committee member, treasurer, and assistant treasurer. In his civilian career, Moreau began working for United Cable in 1988, which later became Xfinity, serving as a linemen technician.
“Ray Moreau, Plainville through and through,” said Jesse Gnazzo, a certified life celebrant with Plainville Funeral Home, who delivered the funeral oration. “We may be gathered here in New Britain, but make no mistake, Ray’s heart, his life, his legacy belonged to Plainville.”
“For more than 35 years, he served as a firefighter there, not for a paycheck, not for praise, but because that’s what Ray did. He gave, he showed up, he stayed late, he did the work no one saw and never once made it about himself,” he said.
The mood was somber as the sound of bagpipes and drums broke through a largely silent crowd at CCSU’s Welte Hall auditorium. Moreau’s casket was carried in by his fellow firefighters in Plainville. Some saluted, others wept and some bowed their heads as the casket, draped in the American flag, was carried to the front of the stage.
“He was my friend, I’ll miss him every day of my life,” said Bristol resident Brian Gennett. “He was also my brother-in-law’s best friend. He touched everybody and everybody knew him. He was also just a fun guy and made everyone laugh. He was a big kid and he had a great heart.”
Moreau was known as ‘Uncle Ray’ at the fire department.
Thomas Moschini Sr., Plainville Fire Department chief, said that Moreau embodied “the best friend anyone can have” and that he “never said a bad word about anyone.” He said that he gave his life in service to the community he loved.
“He never needed a spotlight or ever asked for thanks,” Moschini said. “He just showed up and did the work. In the firehouse, that kind of consistency mattered. But more than that, he got along with everyone.”
“Now, as anyone in uniform knows, that’s not a small feat. Firehouses are full of big personalities. But Ray was one of the few who could get along with just about anyone. He didn’t play politics and didn’t hold grudges, he just showed up and did what he had to do,” he said.
Moreau is survived by his wife Chris and their rescue dog, Maverick.
“I remember when Ray filled out the application to be a firefighter and I asked him one question. I asked how you could want to run into a burning building when everyone else is running out,” Chris Moreau said. “I quickly learned it takes a special individual to respond to the various type of calls that are received when someone dials 9-1-1.”
“Holidays and gatherings will be different and sometimes difficult without his presence,” she said. “I’m sure we will reminisce about his shenanigans, whether related to games, the Christmas gift exchange, or the memories he created with his family, nieces, nephews, and neighbors. All kids meant the world to Ray. It was about making their day better. I was very fortunate to be married to the biggest kid on Earth.”
The ceremony ended with the traditional ringing of the bell signaling Moreau’s “Last Alarm,” a longstanding tribute to fallen firefighters, symbolizing the end of their service and their “return to quarters.” A special signal of 5-5-5 sets of rings means a department has lost one of their own.
“It was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing,” said Plainville first assistant fire chief Kurt Plourde. “To our brother, firefighter Raymond “Ray” Moreau, his last alarm, he is going home.”
A procession led Moreau’s body from New Britain to his final resting place at South End Cemetery in Southington.
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