Chief John A. Mauro, 81, Retired Chief of the Department for the Paterson Fire Department (April 9, 1990 - January 1, 1996), passed away last night, July 2, 2023, with his family by his side.
John Mauro Sr. was appointed to the department on September 27, 1963, and had an esteemed 32-year career. Starting his career off at Engine 11 in Grand Street Firehouse and eventually Chief's Aid to the 3rd Battalion in Riverside Firehouse. On July 1, 1972, FF Mauro was promoted to Captain and Battalion Chief in October 1977. He served as Director of Emergency Medical Services for PFD twice, once from 1984-1985 as Battalion Chief, and again after, he was promoted to Deputy Chief in 1987 until 1990. He was then named the 8th Chief Engineer of the Paterson Fire Department on April 1, 1990.
As Chief of the Department, he is seen as the first of the "New Era" of Chiefs, committing to changes and improvements within the department, including reorganizing radio communications, reinstating the Rescue Company out of Southside, and better utilization of resources within the department as well as from outside of the city. He was also appointed to the NJ State Fire Safety Commission in 1994, two years before he retired on January 1, 1996.
Through 28 years of retirement, he saw two of his sons appointed to the Department, John Mauro Jr in 2001, currently a Battalion Chief out of Riverside Firehouse, and Michael Mauro in 2006, now a covering Captain for Tour 2; and he recently saw his grandson Alex join the Paterson Police Department. He was also appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management for Paterson in 2006. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was also a Eucharistic minister at St. James R.C. Church, Totowa. He was a member of the Passaic County Emerald Society and the Passaic County 200 Club.
He exemplified determination, leadership, and dedication in his duties as a firefighter, husband, father and grandfather.
The Paterson Firefighters Association sends love, condolences, and prayers to his wife, Anne Mauro, our brothers John and Michael, and the entire Mauro family in their grief. As always, the PFA & PFOA will provide the family with whatever comforts and assistance we can.
A gallery of the Funeral services and procession can be found here. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.
