Services announced for 81-year-old Norfolk County veteran with Bristol County ties who died with his dog in blaze that destroyed home

Services have been announced for a Massachusetts veteran who perished in a massive blaze this month.

According to Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher, Foxborough Police Chief Michael Grace, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, and Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, the Foxborough Fire Department responded to 39 Granite Street just before 3:00 a.m. on March 3rd after a Foxborough Police officer smelled smoke in the area while on patrol. Firefighters found the single-family home well involved on arrival, with flames venting through the windows. They immediately began to attack the fire on the ground and using an aerial ladder to gain access to the roof.

The 2½-story structure sustained major damage in the fire. During a careful search of the home, investigators located a man in his 80s who was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was the sole resident, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death. A dog also perished in the fire.

The Norfolk County District Attorney has identified the deceased as 81-year-old George P. Schubert.

Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire in about an hour but are expected to remain at the scene through the afternoon. The fire departments of Mansfield and Plainville provided mutual aid on the fireground, while the Wrentham Fire Department provided station coverage. The Mansfield Emergency Management Agency supported firefighter health and safety in the bitter cold. The Brockton Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue assisted personnel at the scene due to structural damage.

The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the Foxborough Fire Department, Foxborough Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.

“This winter has been especially challenging for Massachusetts firefighters,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Notwithstanding the bitter cold and heavy snow, they’ve confronted fatal fires in every region of the state. In too many cases, they found smoke alarms that weren’t working or no alarms at all. Please take a few minutes to be sure you and your loved ones are protected by working smoke alarms on every level of your home.”

According to an obituary, Schubert “enlisted in the US Navy, was a skilled plumber, carpenter and craftsman. He loved his family, he enjoyed fishing, loved animals, loved helping others and was especially proud of his many incredible woodworking projects.”

Schubert has family members in North Attleboro, Norton, Somerville, Holbrook, and Abington in addition to Foxborough.

Visiting hours from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on March 24th at Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, Foxboro. A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Foxboro at 10:00 am on March 25 followed by burial at Rock Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.