It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Life Member and past Chief John V. “Guppy” Pignataro, who dedicated many years of service and leadership to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department.

Guppy’s journey with the BVFD began in 1977, when he joined as a Junior Member while still a student at Paint Branch High School, following in the footsteps of his brother Dino (then a Sergeant). Guppy quickly established a second home at the BVFD and stayed greatly involved for many years.

Over the years, Guppy served in numerous leadership roles, serving on the Board of Directors, and operationally, first reaching the rank of Sergeant in 1982, on to Captain in 1984, he was named Assistant Fire Chief in 1986 by Chief Michael Kerr, next he advanced to Deputy Chief in 1988, and he was elected Fire Chief in 1989.

The BVFD was very much a Pignataro family affair. Dino went on to be hired as a career Firefighter, their Mother Carol was the President of the Auxiliary, his wife Rhonda was very active in the Auxiliary (along with her family members), their sister Nina also joined the Department as a Firefighter and sister Gina also served in the Auxiliary. After moving to Delaware, Guppy served with the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department, sending the BVFD future members, eventually including his son Tony. Dino had changed careers to the MoCo Police and served as chief at our neighboring HVFD.

For his career, Guppy was hired by the DCFD in 1982. He advanced to Sergeant and later retired as a Lieutenant out of Engine-8.

Throughout Guppy’s BVFD membership, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions, including commendations from the Fire and Rescue Commission, Montgomery County Fire Board, and Montgomery County Police Department for his role in critical incidents and public events. He was honored at Montgomery County’s first annual Volunteer Fire and Rescue Award Ceremony in 1989 for answering over 500 calls in a single year, part of an overall total of responding to more than 5,800 calls with the BVFD.

After the birth of his daughter in 1992, Guppy stepped back from operational duties but continued to stay involved through committee work, including roles on the Vehicle Exhaust System Research Committee, Historical Preservation Committee, and the Banquet Committee. That same year, he was granted Life Membership in recognition of his long-standing service and leadership.

Guppy’s decades of service left a lasting mark on the department. He played a role in nearly every part of the BVFD. His contributions and involvement will never be forgotten.

The BVFD has extended our sincere condolences and our support to the family and will share details regarding arrangements once they are finalized. For now, the fire house has been draped to show respect to Past Chief Pignataro and we ask that you hold his family close in support and prayer.

Since the BVFD was founded in 1947, it has been family-focused, with many prominent family legacies helping grow the organization. The impact of the Pignataro family is undeniably ingrained in BVFD history and throughout Montgomery County Public Safety. Guppy’s niece (Dino’s daughter) Shannon serves with the WVRS and Dino retired as a Sergeant from the MoCo Police.

May we all be inspired by this notable legacy of service, the countless shared memories, and the pride and satisfaction of serving others. Albert Schweitzer wrote that “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” We salute Chief Pignataro’s worthwhile life of service.