Do they have any idea what there plan is for people not going to the funeral but have appointments down town ....they just can't tell people they cannot go to a business if they have appointments.

E. Central St. from Rt. 27 to Union St. closed off. People can access downtown or you can park in South Ave. lot and walk downtown. Thanks for understanding.

People need to get some perspective before complaining. Can we please remember the wife and children who are grieving today? I don't know them but a couple of hours of inconvenience is better than a lifetime of no dad. If there are so many people there because they want to honor him, then he must have made an impact on a lot of people. Have some empathy.

Well said Liza!

@Michael- you should be ashamed if yourself! Firemen and policemen risk their lives everyday to ensure our safety. Why don't you think of that every time you hear a siren or read about a robbery or any other local news. Do you risk your life everyday when you go to work? I didn't think so.....

@MIchael... These firefighters do more than just fight fires, they are first responders to medical emergencies also. They put their lives on the line with every call they go on because you don't know what psychotic people might be there. That being said, other towns divert traffic for any big funeral including children who lost their battle to cancer, older people who meant a lot to a community. Do you even live in Natick, if you do shame on you. . Believe it or not, they don't get paid great and the benefits are incredible either.

I had a few comments removed (and they should have been) because I was very upset about Michaels comments but I shouldn't have personally attacked him. But, when you do not know when there is a time to say something and a time not to say something please go the cautious route and don't say it. Firefighters, Police, first responders etc are heroes. I don't care if they sleep 364 days a year. The day they go into a fire, just trying to help people they are heros. They are also a role model for children. Today was not the time to discuss classes and if it is right to close a street (but it was right). This man was a son, father, husband, friend to many and loved by many. I didn't know him but know many people that did and from that I see he was respected. The sight downtown this morning was amazing and while sad Natick should be proud they came together. I hope I have touched as many lives his Family should be very proud of him!