CLERMONT — City officials are mourning the loss of city firefighter Joseph DeMarinis, a Marine Corps veteran who died at age 32 last week.
DeMarinis died Thursday of a "cardiac event" surrounded by his immediate relatives and members of his Clermont Fire Department family, according to the city.
DeMarinis had been with the Clermont department since August 2014 and was assigned to Station 3. Prior to becoming a firefighter, he served in the Marines from 2003 to 2011, serving two tours in Iraq and rising to the rank of sergeant.
He received numerous citations and was an active participant and activist for the Wounded Warrior Project and other veteran organizations.
His dedication "to the Fire Department and the safety of the citizens of Clermont is a testimonial to his calling of service to his fellow man," fire Chief Carle Bishop said in a statement. "Our heartfelt condolences are with the DeMarinis' family during this difficult time."
DeMarinis is survived by his wife, Brandi, and their five children, Andre 17, Samantha 12, Brooklyn 15, Vinny, 5, and Penny, 1; his parents, Joe and Carol DeMarinis; his sister Ann Marie; and his father-in-law Ernest Smith.
Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 720 12th St. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesdayat Real Life Church 1501 Steves Road, followed by a reception at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 S. U.S. Highway. 27.
A graveside service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group, who attend services of "fallen heroes," are expected to be on hand at all three locations.
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