Pelham Manor Fire Dept Offers Rare Honor to Como

Displaying purple and black mourning buntings is the Pelham Manor fire department's way of honoring the passing of longtime volunteer firefighter John Como.

"This is a rarity we generally don't do this, we've gone a little further" said Pelham Manor Fire Chief Joseph Ruggiero. Como's longtime service and generous contributions to his colleagues are the reason for the department's rare honorific display.

Como first joined the Pelham Manor volunteer firefighters in November 1983, serving in many roles throughout his time in service.

Ruggiero said Como is fondly remembered for "his culinary skills and legendary pre-inspection spreads." The fire chief said Como would often bring generous buffets for everyone to enjoy.

Como, 70, died on December 7, 2012. Born in Brusciano, Italy, he leaves behind wife Antoniette, sons John and Frank, and several grandchildren.

Funeral services for Como will be held today, 11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 575 Fowler Ave., Pelham NY. Burial will follow at St. Balcom's Cemetery in the Bronx. 

Friends and family are already leaving their condolences for the Como family on an online memory book.