Peter (“Pete”) Joseph Blomberg, 72, of Newtown, passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2024. Chief Blomberg was en route to the annual Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners meeting in Sandy Hook when he was struck by a vehicle and succumbed to his injuries.

He was born in Bridgeport on January 21, 1952, to Florence and Robert Blomberg. He joined older brother Robert and younger sister Judi.

His family moved to Newtown when he was 5 years old, and he lived here for the rest of his life.

Pete graduated from St Rose of Lima Grammar School and Newtown High School. He apprenticed as a cabinet maker and became an accomplished finish carpenter, a trade he continued practicing throughout his life. Later in his career, he assumed a maintenance position with the Newtown School System, until his retirement a short six weeks ago.

Pete began his fire service career over a half-century ago with Hawleyville Fire Company, and then with United Fire Company of Botsford (now Botsford Fire Rescue), where he rose through the ranks to become First Assistant Chief.

Pete was also a certified State Fire Instructor, participating in many of the regional Firefighter 1 and 2 classes, and served as a certified Station Evaluator at numerous regional evaluation sites. He had a reputation of being very fair when interacting with students who enjoyed the privilege of his instruction and subsequent evaluations.

Until very recently, Pete was among the first responders at fire scenes to strap on an air pack and head into burning buildings. He had a spectacular record of responding to nearly all the calls for service Botsford Fire Rescue received and was often among those first on the scene at calls in other districts.

Pete kept the community of Newtown foremost in his thoughts throughout his life, second only to his devoted and loving family, friends, and colleagues. He never said No when there was a call for help, whether it came in the line of duty or from someone he learned who just needed a helping hand.

He was a beloved father to Lindsey, Lauren, Sara, and Jillian, a devoted grandfather to Everett — the apple of his grandfather’s eye — and was a cherished friend, colleague, and brother firefighter to countless others.

Having worked at Newtown Middle School, Pete was always stationed in a central location permitting him to be available for many calls throughout the community. Even up to a few hours before his death, Pete had responded to two fire calls, including one in Sandy Hook.

Pete was a great storyteller, a lover of rock music — having worked concert security for years — a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and a devoted friend of Bill W. for many decades. He made friends anywhere he went. He was always busy, running circles around his family. He had a vitality and life force that his family admired and looked up to.

He was a strong man with a big heart. His daughters knew his was always a safe place to go. He coached many of their sports teams.

One of his daughters remembered sitting with him at a marina recently, and recalling that he loved being there. “This is it for me,” he said, looking at the sunset. “This is what I love most.”

Pete was very serious and passionate about his service to the community, yet able to balance that with jokes and socializing with others. His sister this week said he could talk to anyone and anything, including a rock. He wore his fire shirts while visiting his family in Florida so that it would spark conversation with others, especially those he found who were also wearing similar apparel. He lived for the fire service, anywhere he went.

Despite his age, he recently constructed a playground with his son-in-law Ed for his grandson Everett.

He and his brother enjoyed going to auto races, and tinkering with automobiles.

Pete is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Ann Blomberg; sister and brother-in-law Judi (Blomberg) and Rudy Baez; daughter and son-in-law Lindsey and Mike Rovinsky, daughter Lauren Blomberg, daughter and son-in-law Sara (Blomberg) and Ed Vail, daughter Jillian Blomberg, and stepdaughter Amanda Currier and husband Philip Read; grandson Everett Vail; nieces and nephews Camelia Buonaugurio, Melissa and Megan Blomberg, Jessica Noyes, Christopher Baez, and additional extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours are planned for Sunday, November 2, from 2 to 6 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown.

His funeral is planned for Monday, November 4, at 10:30 am, at St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown. Burial will follow at St Rose Cemetery in Sandy Hook. Catholic interment will be followed by firematic graveside service.

The procession escort from the church to the cemetery will include Newtown apparatus only. Carpooling is strongly suggested.

A media staging area will be set up on Monday. All media is asked to respect the wishes of Pete’s family and fellow firefighters, and head to that area.

Pete’s family asks that those who would like to make a donation in his memory are asked to consider one of the Newtown emergency services of their choice or St Rose School.