On Monday, loved ones and first responders gathered to bury a son, brother, father, and firefighter. Robert Sharkevich Sr., 66, was a Wethersfield volunteer fireman assisting with the Hawthorne fire in Berlin last Tuesday when the utility task vehicle he was riding in went over on a trail.
He was killed, while three other firefighters in the car were injured and transported to the hospital. They have now been released.
Sharkevich, sometimes known as Sharkey, was a committed firefighter. He served 25 years with the Hartford Fire Department and 22 years with the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department. He also worked for the Wethersfield Public School District as a carpenter and maintainer. He had a long-term impact on both pupils and teachers.
On Sunday, hundreds gathered to pay their respects during his wake in Wethersfield. On Monday, hundreds filled the Cathedral of Saint Joseph to attend Sharkevich’s burial liturgy. Among those who honoured Sharkevich were firefighters from throughout the state.
During the service, his sister, Karen Letizio, spoke about her brother with emotion. “Robert was not just my brother, he was my hero,” Letizio stated. She emphasised his lifelong commitment to fire service, which included 25 years as a Hartford firefighter and another 22 years as a Wethersfield volunteer firefighter. “This was more than simply his occupation. This was his call.” “His legacy is one of courage, having sacrificed his own life in the line of duty, embodying the noblest attributes a person can possess,” according to her.
Remembering Robert Sharkevich Sr.
Sharkevich’s funeral coincides with National First Responders Day, a day dedicated to honouring those who risk their lives for the protection of others, which is exactly what he did.
He is regarded as a kind-hearted guy who enjoyed fooling around. He was a big prankster with the other firefighters and cherished his family.
“He loved his children. God. He used to talk about his sons a lot. “I’m so proud of them going to the games,” said Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department Chief Captain Daniel Bresnahan.
Those who knew him said Sharkevich enjoyed cooking and would prepare delicious meals for the firefighters, such as chicken cutlets and meatballs. He was also the fire department’s engineer in charge of designing and maintaining Engine 31.
He is also known as a great hero who constantly prioritises others before himself. “Will be sadly missed. He actually is. I don’t see how someone can ever fill shoes. He’s such a unique individual. Just, we’re going to have a hard time with the memories and everything else,” Bresnahan explained.
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