Ex New Milford Fire Chief Craig J. Maiocchi, 64, Dies Suddenly

NEW MILFORD, NJ — Craig J. Maiocchi, 64, who served with Fire Company 1 for more than 40 years, died suddenly Wednesday.

Maiocchi was chief of the New Milford Fire Department in 1985, 1987, 1997 and 2013, his obituary states. He dedicated his life to fire safety and helping others.

He was a New Milford and River Edge fire inspector and was president of the Tri-Boro South Mutual Aid Group and the Bergen County Fire Chiefs Association.

Friends posted notes of remembrance about Maiocchi on a Facebook post by the New Milford Fire Department.

"Bubbles you were always there to bounce an idea off and I knew I'd always get the truth," said Douglas Reighard. "You helped me find my way up the ranks to chief and you were a great mentor."

Maiocchi was an exempt fireman with the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman's Association and was vice president of the New Milford Exempt Fireman's Association.

He recently retired from the Johnson Free Public Library.

He enjoyed spending Saturday nights at the stock car races at Wall Stadium with his late father and went to NASCAR races with his wife.

He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Lauren Maiocchi-DeVries and her husband Peter and his grandchildren Justyce and Chase.

Viewing is Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Boulevard Funeral Home in New Milford.

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Photo: Craig J. Maiocchi, 64, former chief of the New Milford Fire Department