Loved ones and first responders came together on Monday to lay a son, brother, father and firefighter to rest.
Robert Sharkevich Sr., 66, was a Wethersfield volunteer firefighter helping fight the Hawthorne fire in Berlin last Tuesday when utility task vehicle he was riding in rolled over on a trail. He was killed and three other firefighters in the vehicle were injured and taken to the hospital. They have since been released.
Sharkevich, who was known as Sharkey, was a dedicated firefighter. He spent 25 years at the Hartford Fire Department and 22 years at the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department.
He also worked for the Wethersfield Public School District as a maintainer and carpenter. There, he made a lasting impact on students and teachers.
Hundreds of people came out to pay their respects at his wake in Wethersfield on Sunday.
Hundreds packed the Cathedral of Saint Joseph on Monday for a funeral mass for Sharkevich.
Among those honoring Sharkevich were firefighters from across the state.
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His sister, Karen Letizio, spoke emotionally about her brother during the service.
"Robert was not just my brother, he was my hero," Letizio said.
She noted his lifelong committment to fire service, spending 25 years working as a Hartford firefighter and another 22 years as a Wethersfield volunteer firefighter.
"This was not just his vocation. This was his calling."
"His legacy is one of courage, having sacrificed his own life in the line of duty, embodying the noblest attributes a person can possess," she said.
Remembering Robert Sharkevich Sr.
Sharkevich's funeral coincides with National First Responders Day - a day meant to honor those who put their lives on the line for the safety of others and that's exactly what he did.
He is being remembered as a kind-hearted guy who loved joking around. He was a big prankster with other firefighters and loved his family.
"He loved his kids. God. He used to talk about his sons all the time. So proud of them going to games," said Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department Chief Captain Daniel Bresnahan.
Those who knew him say Sharkevich loved to cook and would cook great meals for the firefighters including chicken cutlets and meatballs.
In the fire department, he also was the engineer who designed and took care of Engine 31.
He is also being remembered as a true hero who always put others above himself.
"Gonna be sorely missed. He really is. I can't see how anybody can ever fill shoes. You know, he's such a unique guy. Just, we're going to have a hard time, with the memories and everything else, too," Bresnahan said.
Outpouring of support
In the days since Sharkevich's death, Wethersfield Fire Department says they have received an outpouring of support from the community and fellow firefighters.
Nearby departments and mutual aid partners will be helping out on Monday so other crew members can attend Sharkevich's funeral.
Berlin's fire chief said the firefighter community and beyond has stepped in to make sure they have the proper staffing levels on a difficult and emotional day like today.
"Everyone wants to really pitch in and help us get this fire over with. That also includes covering our town resources so they have the time to go and properly grieve," Berlin fire chief Jonn Massirio said.
Over the weekend, two additional firefighters were injured while battling the Hawthorne Fire. Both have since been released from the hospital. Crews are continuing to fight the Hawthorne Fire on Monday as it burns for an eighth day.
