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.

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.

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.

Viewing – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 12

Funeral – 10 a.m., Thursday, July 13

Viewing – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 13

Funeral – 10 a.m., Friday, July 14

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

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