To the Editor:

To say 2014 has been a difficult year for our family is a bit of an understatement. In May, our mother, Joan Bonitz Dinovo, passed away unexpectedly.  Sadly, just 82 days later, our father, Salvatore R. (simply known as “Bob”) Dinovo, passed away as well.

Losing them both has left a hole in our hearts, but also made us understand how great their lives were — and how much they meant to others in their community. 

Joan and Bob were high school sweethearts, graduating from Albany High School in 1955.  Married for 56 years, they built their life together and raised their family in Guilderland.

They held jobs in the school district and in the food-broker industry for many decades. During their retirement, they often enjoyed spending time camping with their friends; children and grandchildren; and their pet dog, Sammy. 

Serving the community was very important to Joan and Bob until their very last days.  For nearly 50 years, both were members of the Westmere Fire Department.

Joan was a past president and a board member of the department’s Ladies Auxiliary, and Bob was a firefighter, former chief, and former commissioner until 2013.

Our family grew up with the fire department “in our blood.”   The sound of the scanner dispatching help to the next distress call was a common occurrence — night and day. The alert of the emergency scanner often took our parents away on a birthday or holiday to the scene of a tragedy.

As young children, we sometimes found it hard to understand why our parents would leave during an important, happy, life event. However, as adults, we know exactly what their role as members of the fire department meant to them. They were called to duty, to serve others, and they displayed the true meaning of dedication to community and family by being part of the firehouse family.

These days, it often feels like our lives are so separate, that folks don’t know their neighbors or even care about them. But, here in Westmere, we are fortunate to know that simply isn’t so.

Our family extends much larger than those related by blood. When our parents passed away, we were shocked and grief stricken.  Dealing with the decisions of their remembrance services and funerals was challenging and emotionally taxing.

However, at both of the funerals, we received such great comfort from our Westmere firehouse family.  A large assemblage of firemen and auxiliary attended both services, ceremonially paying their respects. They held the last roll call for their brother and sister, honoring the sacrifices both made for the good of the community.

Dad’s processional was led by the department, and, upon passing the Westmere firehouse, the company assembled, paying tribute with his apparatus displayed and last call siren.  Following both interments, they continued their support by hosting a reception for our family and friends.  

While we all mourn our loss, our extended firehouse family helped us celebrate and honor two lives lived well.  There aren’t words enough to express how truly grateful we are to our Westmere Fire Department family.

The men and women who volunteer to serve are the bravest, most selfless people you will ever know. Their commitment to the safety of others is unparalleled, and, sadly, often unrecognized. We hope everyone in the community appreciates the dedication and sacrifice they make on a daily basis.

Today, we write this letter to thank each and every member of our firehouse family for their loving kindness and support through good times and bad. We will pray for your safety every day, and for each and every time you are called to duty. 

Robert C. Dinovo

Timothy and Dawn Dinovo

Donald and Lisa

(Dinovo) Knightes

Nicholas and Holly

(Dinovo) Marbaker

Guilderland