Wake held for Newark Firefighter Augusto Acabou, killed battling cargo ship fire at Port Newark
NEWARK, N.J. -- It has been nearly a week since two Newark firefighters died in the line of duty battling a blaze aboard a cargo ship in Port Newark.
The two ended up getting trapped in the inferno.
On Wednesday afternoon, family, friends, and fellow firefighters attended a wake at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for one of the fallen heroes, 45-year-old Augusto "Auggie" Acabou.
It was a tough day for the family, and the city of Newark.
Friends said Acabou was as a dedicated firefighter who deeply believed in the calling to put his own life on the line to save others.
Those who loved and knew him showed up to say goodbye and it was very painful.
Acabou's family was overwhelmed by unimaginable sadness as his casket was taken into the cathedral amid salutes from firefighters.
"The grief is just unimaginable. No one ever expects that call," a family member said.
"Just gut-wrenching, sick, disheartened. The past week has been nightmare," friend Eddie "Boa" Paulo said.
At Newark's fire union headquarters, there were hugs and deep sadness. Paulo, the union VP, and Acabou grew up in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood.
"East Side alumni. We played football. We boxed. He loved the 49ers and he loved his family," Paulo said.
Paulo said he pushed Acabou, who at the time of his death was in line to rise to the ranks of captain, to become a firefighter.
"He studied hard, did the very best on the job. He was the guy you wanted to have on your side," Paulo said.
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Acabou was born into a Portuguese family. His obituary describes him as a "real-life Superman," who brought constant joy to those around him.
"They don't make 'em like him. He was tough as nails, and total sweetheart," Paulo said. "A jokester, prankster, funny, knew how to light up a room."
"I went to both of the family's homes and they are completely devastated by this as any family would be and our hearts go out to them," Mayor Ras Baraka said. "And we are going to do everything to make sure they are laid to rest and honored the way they should be."
Acabou is survived by his two brothers and the woman he loved -- his life partner -- and her daughter.
Visitation will be held until 8 p.m., and his funeral Thursday at the Cathedral Basilica will be at 10 a.m.
Newark Fire Department Chaplain Paul Donohue will be the celebrant at the Mass.