Hundreds gather to honor firefighter Augusto Acabou, who died fighting Port Newark fire
The wake was held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
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Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Wednesday to honor the life of firefighter Augusto “Augie” Acabou – one of two firefighters killed while battling a cargo ship fire at Port Newark last week.
Those who attended the wake described Acabou as caring, a leader and a passionate man who loved his family and community. Hundreds of people from across the state came to pay their respects.
“When we lose someone as a firefighter, the whole city’s going to come pay their respects. I believe it is very important for us to show the respect that they deserve,” says Newark Council Member At-Large Carlos Gonzalez.
Those who knew Acabou say that he poured his heart and soul into being a firefighter. He was a member of Engine 16 for nearly 10 years.
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Acabou loved to play baseball and was part of a team in Edison.
“He was awesome. He was a hell of a player,” says friend Jimmy Tavalere.
A funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. That funeral will be followed by a wake for Wayne Brooks, Jr., the second firefighter killed in the Port Newark fire.
The wake for Brooks will also be held at the cathedral. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday.
Viewing and funeral services, road closures
Services will be held at the Cathedral Basilica in Newark on Thursday and Friday starting at 10 a.m. There will be multiple street closures in Newark starting Thursday. Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and to plan alternate routes.
The procession for Acabou’s funeral will be pass through Clark on Thursday. Drivers are advised to avoid the area of Central Avenue and Raritan Road between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Funeral arrangements for Acabou:
Viewing – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 12
Funeral – 10 a.m., Thursday, July 13
Funeral arrangements for Brooks, Jr.:
Viewing – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 13
Funeral – 10 a.m., Friday, July 14
Road closures for viewings:
Beginning from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Wednesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 13
Clifton Avenue between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Mt. Prospect Avenue between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Victoria Avenue between Garside Street and Ridge Street
Ridge Street between Victoria Street and Park Avenue
Road closures for funerals:
Beginning from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14
All of the above locations including:
Extend Victoria Avenue between Garside Street to Stone Street
Cutler Street between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Stone Street between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Crane Street between Summer Avenue and Cutler Street
