A city firefighter was found dead today in a Bronx firehouse, but officials say the cause of death does not apear to be suspicious or related to a recent emergency response.

Gary Valentino, 40, died at Engine 72 on East Tremont Avenue in the Throgs Neck seciton, where he was working as a chief’s aide in the 7th Divison.

A 12-year veteran of the FDNY, Valentino was to celebrate his birthday tomorrow, said the owner of a restaurant across the street, where he had recently made reservations for a firehouse holiday party.

The cause of death is under investigation by the Medical Examiner, said Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano.

Firefighters at the Bronx station declined to talk about Valentino’s death.

Carmine Fardella, owner of Rino’s Italian Ristorante, said he was shocked and saddened to hear of Valentino’s death. “He was a stocky, well built guy. He looked very healthy to me.”