Corey Comperatore, a beloved father and husband, was tragically taken from his family during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 16, 2024. The incident occurred when a gunman opened fire from the roof of a nearby building while Trump was delivering his speech.
Comperatore, who had spent his final moments shielding his wife and daughter from the gunfire, was hailed as a hero by many. He grew up in Freeport, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Freeport High School before going on to serve in the US Army Reserves for ten years. Comperatore's dedication to serving others extended beyond his military career as he spent many years volunteering as a firefighter after serving as chief.
In addition to his role as a project and tooling engineer, Comperatore was an active member of the Cabot Church and cherished MAGA politics. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Allyson and Kaylee, mother Karen Bird, sisters Kelly Meeder and Dawn Comperatore Shaffer, stepbrother Steven Warheit, two Dobermans Ivan and Negan, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces.
Thousands gathered at a Pennsylvania banquet hall to remember Corey Comperatore on July 18, 2024. Fire trucks and police vehicles filled the parking lot outside the building while sharpshooters were positioned on top of the event hall and nearby buildings. Guests walked past a large, framed photo of Comperatore holding a fish and a slideshow of photos from his life.
Trump honored Comperatore during his speech at the Republican National Convention by displaying his firefighting gear on the convention stage. A fund for Comperatore's family and the two men wounded in the attack has raised over $6 million.
Visitation for Corey Comperatore saw a line of hundreds of people stretching through Laube Hall, a space normally used for weddings and other celebratory occasions. Retired New York City Fire Department Lt. Joe Torrillo attended because Comperatore was a firefighter who lost his life like a hero.
Political violence is unacceptable, and it's important to engage in meaningful discourses about things in society. Corey Comperatore's legacy will live on as an example of courage and selflessness.
