11/17/2007 - Albert H. Wirzburger, former Fire Chief of Whitman died unexpectedly on Tuesday November 13, 2007 at Brockton Hospital. He was 84. He was born in Plymouth, MA in 1923, son of Albert H. and Alice (Carland) Wirzburger. He was raised in Whitman by Albert and his stepmother Ellen (Palavanchi) Wirzburger. Known to many as “Al” or “Chief”, he graduated from Whitman High School in 1942, but he had joined the Whitman Fire Department prior to graduation in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II as a firefighter. With the exception of his Navy Service, Al remained a Whitman fire fighter for 35 years, appointed Deputy Chief on January 1, 1948, and on July 1, 1963 he was appointed Chief. Al was one of the youngest Chiefs in the state at that time. Al served as Chief until his retirement on August 28, 1976. During his tenure as Chief and in his retirement, he enjoyed sharing events with his colleagues and friends in the Plymouth County Fire Chiefs Association. In his retirement Al became a familiar face working at Johnny’s Foodmaster in Whitman and at various flea markets around the area. He was a member of the cribbage league at the Knights of Columbus in Whitman. He also served on the Whitman Historical Committee, and of course he was a life-long fan of the Red Sox. He is survived by his former wife Martha (Keleher) Wirzburger, and his six children. David H. Wirzburger and his wife Lucia of Amherst, NH, Mary E. Bixby an her husband James of Holbrook, Stephen E. Wirzburger and his wife Deirdre of Hanson, Anne L. Monticone and her husband Paul of Hanson, Ellen M. McDonough and her husband William of Hanson, and Peter J. Wirzburger and his wife Donna of New Bedford. Brother of Margaret Howland of Plymouth, Robert Wirzburger of N. Ft. Myers, FL and the late Paul Wirzburger. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Curt’s Pitch for ALS, 75 McNeil Way, Suite 310, Dedham, MA 02026.

To purchase a high resolution photo CD or prints of this gallery email strikethebox@gmail.com