Michael Kucsma Jr.

Michael Charles Kucsma, Jr., Capt. Portland Fire Department, age 43 of Buxton died unexpectedly Monday June 16, 2014 in Portland from a scuba diving accident.

He was born in Fredericksburg, VA the son of Michael C. Kucsma Sr. and Jane H. Longchamps.

He attended schools in Alfred graduating from Massabesic High School class of 1988.

He was a graduate from USM with a degree in Political Science in 1992.

Michael was a firefighter for the Westbrook Fire Department from 1992-1993, Portland Fire Department 1993- 2014 and Gorham Fire Department from 1990- 2014. Chief LaMoria stated, “He was an exceptional human being,” calling Michael a friend and describing him as a highly trained, skilled firefighter who was always willing to share his knowledge.

He enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean, fishing, camping, target shooting, and cooking. He also enjoyed being a Parrothead and honing his appreciation of fine rums. He was an avid Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins fan. He also was a contributor to the Fire Rescue Magazine.

Michael was awarded the Chief Oliver T. Sanborn Administration Award in 2004, and was recognized for his contributions to the Fire Inspection Division of the Gorham Fire Department, in 1995.

He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Mike & Carolyn Kucsma, and maternal grandparents, Joseph & Helen L. Hall.

Besides his beloved wife and best friend Marcia (Knapp) Kucsma, their kids, Jake and Poppy, his father, Michael C. Kucsma, Sr., and his friend Nancy Richeson of Alfred, his mother, Jane H. Longchamps and her husband Russell of Farmington, his brother, Christopher P. Kucsma and his wife Jen of Springvale, and his sister, Sarah E. Kucsma and her friend Douglas Sears of Las Vegas.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend at time of visitation on Friday June 20, 2014 from 4 to 8PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. The funeral will be an Ecumenical Funeral Service with honors rendered by fellow firefighters to be held Saturday June 21, 2014 at 10 AM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation, 380 Congress Street, Portland, Me. 04101.

For further information and to leave a tribute in Mike’s memory please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.