Anthony Luoni was known to always put others first, selflessly volunteering his time over the past five years as a Sherborn call firefighter.
Luoni, 48, of Natick, died June 25 after suffering a medical emergency. He had been battling cancer.
“People here (at the station) are devastated,” said Sherborn Fire Chief Zack Ward. “Anthony was one of the people… he would be the first person to help someone who needed help. He was larger than life… people are devastated to a lose a brother firefighter.”
Originally from Thousand Oaks, California, Luoni lived in Natick with his wife, Jennifer, and two daughters, Sophia and Samantha. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Braintree Yacht Club.
Ward said Luoni joined the Sherborn Fire & Rescue Department in February 2020, serving as a firefighter, EMT and a training instructor. He was also a member of the department’s honor guard.
Although a call firefighter, Luoni put in many hours, the chief said.
“He worked full shifts,” said Ward. “He wasn’t just a ‘carry the pager and only come in if there is an emergency’ type of firefighter. He was pretty much equivalent full time with all of the hours he did.”
In 2022, Luoni’s fellow firefighters voted him the department’s Firefighter of the Year for writing a grant that allowed the department to receive training equipment. He also designed a training program for using the equipment.
The Sherborn Fire & Rescue Organization has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the Luoni family.
“The loss of a loved one can impose significant financial challenges on a family,” according to the GoFundMe. Our goal is to relieve that as much as possible. Please consider donating to help alleviate their financial burden so they can focus on what matters most: grieving for their beloved husband, father, brother and son.”
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the GoFundMe had raised nearly $14,000 of the $18,000 being sought. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/25c0cc7c.
A second GoFundMe has been created to create a memorial fund in Luoni’s name. As of 5 p.m. Thursday, that effort has raised more than $20,000 toward its $22,000 goal. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/254a5f61.
“His legacy with the department will be one of excellence, continual improvement, and service with passion and compassion,” according to the second GoFundMe. “To honor Anthony's memory, a scholarship fund for future first responders will be established.”
Ward said Luoni’s death has left everyone who knew him sad.
“Anthony was just an all-around great person,” the chief said.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.