Michael J. Toal passed away on September 29, 2021, from a long-term illness related to his service at the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001, and the months afterwards. At the time of his retirement, he was a firefighter stationed with Ladder 20 in SoHo, Manhattan.

Born in Staten Island on March 18, 1955. Michael was the oldest of three sons born to Rosemary and Arthur Toal. The family was original Staten Islanders. Mike attended St Mary’s Elementary School in Elm Park. When he was twelve years old, his family moved to the Great Kills section of Staten Island.

Mike was an avid sports fan, athlete, student of history, and loved reading military books. He acquired the nickname “Tank” in his youth for his size. He was even required to play up two levels at the start of Pee Wee football. Football and hockey were his favorites. He set up a hockey net in the basement and would shoot pucks into his teenage years. Due to the lack of ice on Staten Island, roller hockey became his addiction. When attending Tottenville High School, FDNY Captain Drennan started the first football team for the Pirates. Mike never told his parents he was trying out, and his mother didn’t know he made the team until he asked her to wash his uniform. From not having a team to defeating local powerhouse Monsignor Farrell, his senior year was quite an accomplishment. He went on to play college football at Wagner College. Mike brought his team attitude to the FDNY and never looked back. No family member ever heard him complain about being a fireman or the need to go to “work,” because it wasn’t a job to him; it was his other family. He lived for the camaraderie.

Mike was an animal lover with a fondness for the family dogs and Twenty, the beloved Dalmatian donated to Ladder 20 after 9/11. She was at Mike’s side whenever he was in the firehouse and never missed a run with 20 Truck. Shortly after Mike’s passing, Ladder 20 was gifted another Dalmatian who was named Tank in his memory.

After retiring in 2011, Michael resided in Spring Lake, New Jersey and continued his lifelong friendships with his teammates, participating in golf outings well into his 60s. A New York sports fan rooting for the Rangers, Yankees, and Giants, Mike often made road trips with Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn to watch his teams’ away games. Devoted Uncle Mike traveled up and down the East Coast cheering on his niece and nephews at their baseball, hockey, and volleyball games.

Michael was a loving son and brother, cherished and admired uncle, and loyal friend who dedicated his life to the FDNY and helping others.