By Bob Kalinowski, Citizens Voice:
Members of the fire service in Luzerne County are grieving the unexpected death of a beloved veteran fireman and community advocate who died on duty Saturday in Newport Twp.
Firefighters throughout the area are mourning the loss of Joe Nealon, who died following a medical issue while working with the Newport Twp. Fire Department.
“We are going to miss him. All of us are. We’re all brothers,” said Hanover Twp. Fire Chief Joe Temarantz.
Nealon was a firefighter in Newport Twp., Ashley and Hanover Twp, having got his start in Ashley in 1980. He served as the chaplain in Hanover Twp., tasked with being the prayer leader during trying times like the one now facing the local fire service following Nealon’s death.
“He was dependable, reliable and always willing to lend a hand. He always had a smile on his face. Joe was a friend to all,” said Newport Twp. Fire Chief John Floryshak. “It was really tragic. I still can’t believe it. He is and always was a very well liked man.”
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