Beloved Alburtis Mayor, Robert Mader, Dies

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.