Michael "Mickey" Doyle
U.S. Army
2018
Mickey was raised and educated in Stamford, having received his high school degree from J.M. Wright Technical School. By that time, however, Mickey had already been working part time at Springdale Florist for five years and had been a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for two, having completed his basic training in 1956 at age 17. After graduation in 1958 Mickey was called to active duty in Fort Dix, N.J. In 1961 he was again placed into active duty in Fort Bragg, N.C., due to the escalating tensions between East and West Germany and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Two years later Mickey went back on standby, and returned to Stamford and Springdale Florist, now as a full-timer, and he received his honorable discharge in 1964. Mickey purchased the business in 1973, which has been a Stamford and Darien institution ever since.
After the service, Mickey became involved with the Springdale VFW Post 9617, including by transporting veterans like Post Commander James Nestor to and from the VA Hospital in New Haven. He has also been active in the Old Timers' Associations of both Stamford and Darien, as well as the State Street Debating Society. As the community minded owner of Springdale Florist he has donated over 100,000 roses to cancer patients at the Bennet Cancer Center at the remarkable pace of 100 per week, not only to deliver some beauty, but also so that they never forget that there is someone out there who cares about them. He also donates centerpieces for the annual Breast Cancer Luncheon and now raises funds for the Brian Bill Monument, among many other charitable causes.
Tonight's honor is not the only one Mickey has received for his many sacrifices and kindnesses. A flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor in 1991. In 1993 he was honored by the Springdale VFW, Stamford Firefighters Local 786 and Mayor Stanley Esposito even proclaimed a day in his honor. He has been the State Street Debating Society's Man of the Year and the Darien Old Timers' Community Civic Award winner. In 2002 he was appointed as an Honorary Deputy Police Chief by the Stamford PD. and earned the Fraternal Order of Elks Citizenship Award. He has been honored by the American Legion and was named Grand Marshal for the Stamford Veteran's Day Parade, an honor that he also received in 2009 for the Darien Memorial Day Paradea