Michael Daly, age 100, a resident of Bronxville and formerly of Yonkers, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 7. A long-time employee of the New York Telephone Company, he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellen; a son Daniel (YPD ret.); daughter-in-law Susan; and granddaughter Emily. He was predeceased by a son Michael.
Mike was born in 1919 in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland. His dream to emigrate to American was delayed by World War II, so he joined the Irish Army. After his enlistment, he moved to Dublin as a young man. He finally sailed the North Atlantic to the States in 1947.
He started working at an A&P in Manhattan, rising from stocker to assistant manager. His brother-in-law Felix Whelan convinced Mike to work for the New York Telephone Company, a predecessor of Verizon. When they learned Mike was leaving, the A&P offered to make Mike the manager of his own store, but he knew long-term the opportunities were better at New York Tel.
He worked in several different buildings on “the frame” where all telephone calls from the surrounding area went through. After a few years, he became a foreman.
A massive fire in a New York Tel building in 1972 knocked out telephone service in lower Manhattan for months. The company formed a fire safety division and transferred in more than 100 managers, including Mike. The company promised the Public Service Commission a failure like this would never happen again. The new division inspected company buildings from Long Island to Buffalo for security and fire safety.
Mike retired in 1986 and later worked as a doorman at a luxury apartment building in Bronxville where the senior residents affectionately called him “The Kid” because of his youthful looks.
He retired a second time in 2000 and continued his long time passion as a paddle ball player in Woodlawn and Rockaway Beach. Mike maintained a lifetime membership at Jack LaLane Fitness on Tuckahoe Road, later Bally’s Fitness, for many years.
Calling Hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, Bronxville between the hours of 4 to 8pm Monday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville on Tuesday August 11 at 9:45am.. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A memorial service will be planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New York Presbyterian Lawrence Home Care at 670 White Plains Road, Suite 213, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
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Larry and Alex says
August 8, 2020 at 2:08 pmUncle Mike,
You were always a source of great joy to us and our children at family gatherings. None of us can eat a Hershey’s kiss or M & M without thinking of you! Your lifetime commitment to fitness has inspired us to exercise more- especially when we enjoy your favorite chocolates! You will be dearly missed by us all!
Sending sympathy, empathy and love to Aunt Ellen, Danny, Susan and Emily
Denis and Mary O'Sullivan says
August 8, 2020 at 5:17 pmDear Ellen, Danny, Susan and Emily,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We have such great memories of Mike, going back to his visit to Ireland with you Ellen and Dan in the early seventies, our own trip to the states in 1983 and then Mike and Ellen’s visit to Ireland in 1992. Our sincere sympathy to you and may the many happy memories you have of Mike console you at this time.
Bunny, Eric, and Family says
August 8, 2020 at 6:55 pmOur hearts go out to Aunt Ellen, Danny, Susan, and Emily as we are very sorry for your loss. Uncle Mike was a great man, husband, and father. He will be sorely missed.
Dan, Anne and O Sullivan Family, Clonkeen says
August 11, 2020 at 7:50 amTo Aunt Ellen, Danny, Susan and Emily,
Our sincere sympathy on Mike’s passing. Sorry we can’t be with ye at this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Joanie and Greg and family says
August 11, 2020 at 8:12 amSending our deepest sympathy to Helen, Danny, Susan and Emily. We’re thankful for all the fond memories of Uncle Mike, the happiest of family gatherings at Helen and Mikes house, especially at Christmas. Thanks Uncle Mike for teaching me to play paddleball and all the years of paddleball games we played together. I‘all always remember your kindness and sense of humor. You will be dearly missed. Love ? always, Joanie and Greg, Kristen and Kaitlyn.