Michael William Daly

New York City Fire Department Firefighter Michael William Daly passed away on November 25, 2023, from occupational cancer due to his response to rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001. He fought a long and courageous battle with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and had to retire in 2008 due to his illness. He was 56 years old and served with the FDNY Ladder 87 in Staten Island for nine years. 

Daly was born and raised in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, New York, to parents Thomas and Mary Daly, and later became the stepson of Melvin Haugen and brother of Kerry Ann Malvino. He was a graduate of St. Agatha’s elementary school, where he made many lifelong friends, and FDR High School. He loved playing basketball in Sunset Park as a youth and went on to play both basketball and football in different leagues. He also loved coaching younger kids in basketball, knowing that he was making a difference in their lives.  

Daly and his future wife, Jessica, met in Brooklyn after being introduced by her cousin. They were immediately inseparable, and their friendship led to love. Jessica’s son Mason was a year old when they met, and Daly instantly took on the father role to Mason. They married and moved to Staten Island where they started to build their lives together. They had two more children, Madison and Logan, and his three children became the center of Daly’s life. He was a devoted husband and father, who built amazing friendships and a deep connection to his community. He had a strong desire to help others and joined the FDNY in 1999. He was eventually assigned to Ladder Company 87 in Annadale, Staten Island. He cared about the safety and the lives of the people of Great Kills. He believed in showing up when people needed help the most, making them feel valued and supported. Becoming an FDNY Firefighter allowed him to combine his courage, compassion and selfless nature into a career he truly loved. 

Their son, Logan, was born prematurely at 32 weeks. Daly and his wife Jessica served as the Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes March for Babies, raising money for premature babies. When he was forced to retire in 2008, he became very involved in his children’s school, P.S. 8, where he became PTA President, hosting new events and fundraisers for the kids to enjoy. He coached youth basketball and volunteered with local organizations, despite his illness. He continued to inspire others through his resilience, optimism, and determination to make every day count. In 2015, he was the keynote speaker at the Celebration of Hope Gala to benefit the American Cancer Society. Daly’s legacy is one of selfless service, compassion, and unconditional love. He taught his children the importance of integrity, kindness, hard work, and always putting others before themselves. Fighting his illness for 15 years, he fought every day to be able to see his children grow up and go to college. He was an extraordinary husband, father, friend, and community member. 

Firefighter Michael William Daly is survived by his devoted and loving wife Jessica, his children Mason, Madison and Logan, his sister Kerry Malvino, and many cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Daly family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.