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The third-generation firefighter and former Marine was killed while fighting a fire at a Dorchester residence Saturday night.
Communities are paying tribute to Robert Kilduff Jr., a Boston firefighter who died Saturday night. Boston Fire Department
Local firefighters, other community members, and officials are mourning the loss of Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr., a Boston firefighter who died in the line of duty Saturday night.
Kilduff, a third-generation firefighter, lost his life after suffering “severe injuries” while fighting a fire in Dorchester, the Boston Fire Department said on Facebook. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served the City of Boston for 24 years, the department wrote.
“Bobby, affectionately known as BK, was a dedicated firefighter, a proud member of a family deeply rooted in the fire service, and a respected brother to all who had the privilege to serve beside him,” Boston Fire Department Commissioner Rodney Marshall said in a statement Sunday. “He embodied the courage, commitment, and selflessness that define this profession.”
Firefighters on the scene at 18 Treadway Road battled heavy flames on all three floors of the residence, the department said on social media. The fire burned through the roof, but crews knocked it down by about 8:30 p.m. and stopped it from spreading to neighboring homes, the department said.
Firefighters had fire on all 3 floors, the fire burned through the roof ,a great job to stop the fire from traveling to the adjacent homes pic.twitter.com/luj6RZkMKX
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) May 24, 2026
Kilduff, 53, of West Roxbury, fell from a third-story window while battling the blaze and was seriously injured, The Boston Globe reported. He was rushed to Boston Medical Center, where he died later that night.
The next morning, firefighters, police officers, and others lined the street outside as Kilduff’s body was moved from the hospital to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They displayed that same show of support Sunday night during a dignified transfer to a West Roxbury funeral home, the Globe reported.
Kilduff’s fellow firefighters hung black drapes from the bay doors at his former fire station and laid flowers on the ground in tribute. Residents also built a small memorial for him outside the Dorchester home where he fought his last fire, according to the Globe.
“BK will be remembered for his courage, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to protecting the residents of Boston,” fire officials said on Facebook. “Most importantly, he will be remembered as a devoted father, family man, friend, and brother.”
Firefighters union, elected officials pay tribute
Kilduff was stationed with Rescue Company 2, one of two heavy rescue companies for the Boston Fire Department. He was also a member of the Boston Firefighters Local 718 union, who said he “embodied and epitomized the purest values of service.”
“Local 718 is heartbroken over the loss of our brother firefighter,” the union said on Facebook. “Words cannot give measure or justice to the gravity of this tragic loss.”
State and local officials also paid tribute to Kilduff and recognized his sacrifice. Mayor Michelle Wu and Sen. Ed Markey both described him as a “hero,” and Gov. Maura Healey credited him with giving his own life to save others.
“As a Marine and third-generation firefighter, Bobby dedicated his life to protecting others,” Healey said on X. “Countless people are alive today because of his courage and service — including the five residents who made it out of that building safely.”
Heartbroken by the loss of Boston firefighter Bobby Kilduff Jr., who gave his life while battling a fire in Dorchester.
As a Marine and third-generation firefighter, Bobby dedicated his life to protecting others. Countless people are alive today because of his courage and…
— Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) May 24, 2026
Wake, funeral arrangements announced
Kilduff’s wake will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 31 at St. Theresa of Avila Parish in West Roxbury, the International Association of Fire Fighters union (IAFF) announced in a press release Monday evening. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. on June 1 at Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which is dedicated to helping fallen first responders, announced that it will pay off the mortgage on Kilduff’s home. The nonprofit will also cover any remaining educational expenses for his children, it said.
“Bobby loved his children more than anything,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said in a press release. “We are grateful for Tunnel to Towers’ support of Bobby’s family and the foundation’s commitment to those who serve.”
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