A Hero's Enduring Legacy: FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph McCarton Succumbs to 9/11 Illness

It's truly heartbreaking to share news that cast a somber shadow over many families this past Thanksgiving. We've lost another hero, a true titan of the FDNY, Deputy Chief Joseph W. McCarton, who passed away at 79 from a 9/11-related illness. To think of him, a man who dedicated his life to protecting others, succumbing to the very aftermath of the tragedy he so bravely faced, it just… it hits hard.

Chief McCarton, a familiar and deeply respected figure to countless firefighters, served our beloved city for a remarkable 36 years. When the unthinkable happened on September 11, 2001, he was right there, the Deputy Chief of Division 1 in Lower Manhattan. You can almost feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, the sheer courage it took to rush straight into the heart of the devastation at Ground Zero. He stayed for weeks on end, tirelessly working amidst the dust and debris, a steadfast presence during our city's darkest hour. That unwavering commitment, that profound sense of duty, ultimately took a profound and unfair toll on his health.

Beyond the badge and the uniform, Chief McCarton was, by all accounts, a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Ann, and their three children: Joseph Jr., who, following in his father's heroic footsteps, is now an FDNY Captain himself; Michael; and his daughter, Mary Beth. And of course, his cherished grandchildren. It's a legacy of service and love, really, a testament to the kind of man he was, that his own son would choose such a demanding path.

But his heroism didn't end when the dust finally settled. In the years that followed, Chief McCarton became an outspoken, fierce advocate for his fellow first responders. He fought tooth and nail, tirelessly championing the cause of those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses, pushing for the compensation and recognition they so desperately deserved. He knew, intimately, the unseen wounds and long-term consequences of that horrific day, and he wouldn't let anyone forget.

His colleagues often spoke of him as a 'firefighter's firefighter,' a true leader who led by example, earning respect through his actions, not just his rank. His passing is a stark, painful reminder of the continuing cost of 9/11, a tragedy that keeps claiming our heroes, one by one. Each loss is a fresh wound, a somber echo of that devastating day.

For those wishing to pay their respects, a wake will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2025, and Monday, December 2, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel on Madison Avenue at 81st Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Church on Park Avenue at 84th Street.

Chief McCarton’s memory, his dedication, and his immense sacrifices will undoubtedly live on, but his absence will be keenly felt across the FDNY family and the wider New York City community. May he rest in eternal peace, his service never, ever forgotten.