NOTE: NBC Chicago will live stream the Friday services right here.
Hundreds gathered Thursday to pay their respects at the visitation for a fallen Chicago firefighter who died Monday while battling a blaze in a factory.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered at at St. Rita High School Chapel remembering Daniel Capuano, 42, as a great father, a loving husband and a brave man.
"It's intermittent smiles remembering the joys, tears because it happened," said family friend Tom Schonauer.
A funeral is scheduled for Friday at the school chapel. Capuano is set to be buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, located at 6001 W. 111th St. in Alsip.
"He was motivated, always eager to learn," said Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Mark Nielsen.
Capuano was among the firefighters dispatched to a three-story warehouse fire at 9213 S. Baltimore just before 2:30 a.m. after heavy smoked could be seen billowing out of the rear of the building.
While fighting the flames, the 42-year-old married father of three fell through a floor that gave out, and down an elevator shaft to the building’s basement.
The owners of the building didn't have proper permitting for some construction work at the site, city officials said.
"Chicago has lost one of its bravest in Dan Capuano," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Monday. "He made the ultimate sacrifice so Chicago's residents could be safe. For that, there are no words that can truly express our sorrow for his loss nor our gratitude for his service and sacrifice to the City of Chicago. The thoughts and prayers of a grateful city are with Dan, his family, and his fellow firefighters at this difficult time."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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"Whenever anyone dies in the line of duty you are looking at a young, healthy man who's no longer with us," Nielsen said. "It's sad to see."
The Capuano Memorial Fund has been established for anyone who would like to make donations to the family.
"Danny's a great kid and wonderful father," said family friend Patte Schonauer. "It should not have happened."
