Beloved Alburtis Mayor, Robert Mader, Dies
Firefighters gather at Alburtis Fire Station to comfort, console each other.
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Mayor and former Fire Chief Robert Mader in a photo taken Oct. 21, 2012.
Courtesy Alburtis Fire Department
Photos (3)
Photos
Alburtis Mayor Robert Mader, 77, has died.
Emergency crews were called to his home at 225 W. 2nd St., at 7:18 a.m. Monday, according to Alburtis Fire Chief Donald Smith.
The former fire chief died in his sleep, Smith said.
The cause of death is yet unknown, he said.
Smith said he last saw Mader Sunday when the department's official photos were taken.
He used the photo when he announced the sad news on Facebook, and gave Patch permission to use the photo -- of Mader sitting on the bumper of a firetruck -- of a man who loved his town.
Firefighters and community members, Mader's friends, gathered at the Alburtis Fire Department throughout the afternoon hugging and wiping tears.
"It's a sad day in Alburtis," Smith said, "We're such a close knit group."
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Ludwick Funeral Home, based in Kutztown.
Robert Sentner
3:50 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Never had the honor of meeting Mr. Mader, but his devotion to the community was well known and sure to be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Jeri Bonenberger
10:51 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Bob Mader was a lovely, community conscious man. Alburtis is a better place because of him. Sympathies to his family. Rest in Peace, Chief!
Julie-Anne Sankpill
8:47 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I only met him once but he made me laugh and smile.