By Jennifer Corr
Flowers were placed by Officer Ryan McCauley at the crosswalk of Maple Avenue and Dosoris Lane. It is where for years his father, Sergeant Michael R. McCauley, would help children and their families cross the street before and after school days as a crossing guard for the City of Glen Cove’s Auxiliary Police.
“It was important for Ryan to pay tribute to his dad and as a way of thanking him for his years of devoted service to the City of Glen Cove,” the City of Glen Cove Auxiliary Police said in a statement. “Thank you both. The sarge is pleased.”
On Dec. 12, McCauley died suddenly at the age of 68. The lifelong Glen Cove resident was well known to residents, as he’d serve at city events and a crossing guard for the YMCA Summer Day Camp, Friends Academy and Deasy School.
“He just loved helping people,” Travis McCauley, Michael’s son, said. . “I see a lot of things about him on Facebook that are very nice. People left flowers at his crossing guard position out on Dosoris Lane and Friends Academy also.”
Michael was outgoing and kind, Travis said. He was always looking to help, as he had a big heart. When asked to describe his father, Travis called Michael the “greatest man ever” who was always there for him. Even in Michael’s later years, he’d often go on adventures with his son as an enthusiast of hiking, biking and the outdoors.
Perhaps one of Travis’s favorite memories with his father was when they traveled to Ireland to meet family members. “Me and him took a little pilgrimage trip and we climbed the mountain of Saint Patrick’s together,” Travis recalled. “He enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. We got to the top.”
Michael was someone who deeply cared for his family, Travis said, keeping photos of his three grandchildren in his patrol car.
“Mike was a team player who showed up to work every week and welcomed working all our details,” the City of Glen Cove Auxiliary Police said in a statement. “He was always friendly, hard working and kind. Mike also served with honor and pride in the military. He will be sorely missed by all.”
“He was involved in a lot,” Travis remarked. “The man had quite a record.”
The City of Glen Cove Auxiliary Police offered their condolences to McCauley’s family, adding that his service to both his country and the residents of Glen Cove will not go unforgotten.
Glen Cove City School District students also paid tribute to Michael during last Friday’s edition of the student-run news program GCTV News. “All of us have probably seen Sergeant McCauley here in town at Deasy School, the YMCA and just about every event in town,” said Reese Comitino a Glen Cove High School senior. “We wish the family well and thank him for his years of service.”
Glen Cove City School District Superintendent Dr. Maria L. Rianna called Michael a loyal and dedicated member of the community. "[He] put the safety of our students first always. He will be, sincerely, missed."
City of Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke expressed his condolences and prayers to the McCauley family on behalf of the city’s entire staff. He will be greatly missed, Tenke said, also noting his decades of service to the people of Glen Cove.
“He had a very big heart,” Travis said. “Anyone in need, no matter what it was, if someone had a flat tire or someone lost their dog, or needed help with anything, my dad would help them out.”
Michael R. McCauley is survived by his wife Valarie; his children Travis (Delmy), Ryan and Shauna; his grandchildren Angie, Kimberly and Jayla; and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Photo courtesy Tab Hauser
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