Obituary: Former Stoughton Firefighter Joseph Araujo, 90

STOUGHTON, MA — Joseph Araujo, 90, a former lieutenant with the Stoughton Fire Department has died. Araujo died peacefully on March 27 at Forge Hill Assisted Living in Franklin.

Araujo was a resident of Stoughton for more than 50 years. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years before joining the fire department and retiring as a lieutenant.

Town Manager Robin Muksian Grimm said Araujo was an extremely respected member member of the Stoughton fire community. In a statement, Fire Chief Michael Laracy also described Araujo as a mentor to many.

"He was a true gentleman with the greatest personality," Laracy said.

In Araujo's spare time, he loved to golf. He was on the board of directors at Cedar Hill Golf Course in Stoughton. Araujo also loved dancing, watching football, rooting for Boston College and spending time with his family and friends.

Araujo is survived by his daughter Darlene Dehman and her husband Peter of Wrentham. He was the brother of the late Dorothy and Martin Glaettli. He was the uncle of Barbara and Terangi Baumgartner of Switzerland.

Due to the new coronavirus pandemic, the funeral services will be private and will take place at Milton Cemetery in Milton. Donations in his memory may be made to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. Grimm said Araujo will also be honored by the fire department and town employees with a procession through town.

Information from Farley Funeral Home was used in this obituary.