More than 8,000 firefighters in dress uniform gathered in formation yesterday along Fort Hamilton Parkway for the funeral of firefighter Joseph Graffagnino.

Graffagnino, who was one of two firefighters who died in a fire at the former Deutsche Bank tower near the World Trade Center site last Saturday, was buried with full honors in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

The firefighter, an eight-year veteran who would have turned 34 on Monday, was remembered for his contagious laughter, wide smile, and devotion to his family and his profession. Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Spitzer, the fire commissioner, Nicholas Scoppetta, and the captain of Graffagnino’s unit, Ladder Company 5, all delivered eulogies at the traditional Roman Catholic funeral, which was nearly three hours long.

“He was born to be a firefighter,” Captain Patrick McNally said, before those assembled stood and applauded.

Every member of the firehouse respected Graffagnino, and he was a role model to the younger firefighters, Mr. Scoppetta said.

Mr. Bloomberg promoted Graffagnino posthumously to lieutenant; he had recently passed the required test. Captain McNally said Graffagnino had asked to rotate through duties so he would be well-rounded for the position.

“I hope it’s a small consolation that at least your son died doing what he believed in and what he dreamed of doing from such an early age,” Mr. Bloomberg said.