Michael J. Lyons, of Hawthorne, New York, never had a chance to see his second daughter, Mary Michael, who was named in his memory. She was born on Nov. 2. Lyons was a 7-year veteran of the New York Fire Department, with Squad 41 in Harlem.
His mother-in-law, Norma Cody, said Lyons was a dedicated worker who also volunteered with the Hawthorne Fire Company No. 1. She said he died trying to rescue victims from the south tower. “He was always working, doing one thing or another,” she said. Cody said she will miss a lot about him, but she will miss his presence the most. “He was a kidder, always kidding around,” Cody said. “He was a happy person with a wonderful personality.”
She said he spent his free time playing golf, darts or fishing. “He was just a caring person,” she said. “He would come in and hug you. He has been like family for so long.” Lyons met his wife, Elaine Cody Lyons, when he was about 15 years old. They worked in a deli shop together were he worked the counter and she was a waitress, Cody said.
Lyons is the son of the late Thomas and Mary Taggart Lyons of Yonkers, N.Y., where he attended the elementary school. He graduated from Manhattan College in the Bronx as a mechanical engineer. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, his 1-year-old daughter, Caitlyn, and his new daughter, Mary Michael. (Hartford Courant)