Robert "Bob" E. Komola, Sr., 49, of Madison, died on April 15 in Madison. Born to the late Chester A. and Edith Reed Komola on July 13, 1960 in Framingham, Massachusetts, he was a 1978 graduate of Framingham North High School. Bob was married in 1984 to the former Michelle Rocheford (now Johnston of Killingworth) and they raised three sons together for 12 years. After the marriage ended, Bob devoted his time to caring for his sons and volunteering at both the North Madison Volunteer Fire Department and Madison Hose Company #1. He was a professional emergency medical technician for the Town of Madison and a dispatcher for the Town of Guilford. His dedication to saving lives began in 1995 when he joined the North Madison Fire Department where he quickly became chief engineer. He furthered his education in the medical field by becoming a first responder, then a certified EMT, volunteering his expertise at Ground Zero within days of the 9/11 attacks. Upon moving to the center of Madison, Bob became a member of Madison Hose Company #1, where he served until his death.

Bob Komola is survived by his beloved sons Christopher Andrew, Robert "Bobby" Edward, Jr., and Benjamin Alexander, all of Killingworth. He leaves his longtime girlfriend Joanna Torello of Madison and her daughter Kaili Saccavino of Branford. Bob also leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Fox and Sherman Cooper of Allentown, New Jersey; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Irena Komola of Lawrence, Masaschusetts, Thomas and Janine Komola of Framingham, and Frank and Lisa Komola of Bradford, Masaschusetts; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was held April 21 at St. Margaret's Church in Madison followed by internment at West Cemetery, Route 1 in Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either Madison Hose Company #1, P.O. Box 573, Madison, CT 06443; or North Madison Fire Department, 864 Opening Hill Rd., Madison, CT 06443.