Updated: Funeral Tuesday for Joseph Fraser, Firefighter Who Died Suddenly

A decorated Medford Firefighter died suddenly at his Malden home last Friday.

Joseph C. Fraser, Jr., 58, served Medford's fire department for over 30 years. He was also a Medford native and veteran of the U.S. Marines. He began his career as a firefighter in 1979, collecting two medals and two commendations along the way.

In September 1991, he was awarded the Manville Richards Medal, given for acts of bravery and heroism, for battling a fire at 6 Salem St. earlier that year. At the same ceremony, he was given the Chief Leo F. McCabe Medal for assisting a woman who collapsed at a supermarket while he was shopping off-duty, according to information released by the fire department.

He also received two commendations, one for a water rescue in 1982, one for assisting in the delivery of twins in October 2000.

"He loved his country, loved his family and loved the fire department," Deputy fire Chief Steve Howe said. "He had a very colorful way of expressing himself...Strong convictions, strong opinions; he'll be sorely missed by the guys at this department."

He previously served on engine 1 and most recently engine 5 for the department, according to his obituary.

Visiting hours will be held today, Monday, February 14, from 4 to p.m. at Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St. in Malden, according to his obituary. A funeral will be held Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 8 a.m. at at Immaculate Conception Church in Malden Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.

Below is a complete copy of the obituary, courtesy of Breslin Funeral Home:

Joseph C. Fraser, Jr., 58, passed away suddenly at his home in Malden on February 11th, 2011.

He was born in Stoneham on April 1st, 1952 to his parents Joseph C. and Patricia (Travers) Fraser. Joseph was raised in Medford and is a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1970.

He served his country honorably as a soldier in the United States Marine Corps. In 1979 he became a member of the City of Medford Fire Department. He served as a Firefighter beginning on Engine 1 and has spent the last several years on Engine 5. He is a member of the City of Medford Professional Firefighters Association, Union Local 1032 , the American Legion in Malden and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Malden.

Joseph is survived by his wife Elaine J. (Arcari) Fraser; by his sons; Joseph C. Fraser, III of Boston, Capt. John C. Fraser, USMC of San Diego, CA and First Lieutenant Jason C. Fraser of San Diego, CA; and by his siblings; Lawrence Fraser of East Bridgewater, Maureen Dischino of Medford, Susan Fraser of Melrose and Ann Marie O’Toole of Wilmington. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral from the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden on Tuesday February 15th at 8 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 9 a.m. Services will conclude with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.

Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday February 14th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).