Lieutenant Michael F. Lynch

Lieutenant Michael Fitzgerald Lynch, also widely known as “Big Mike,” was a highly respected member of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and a devoted member of his community. He passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 62.

Lt. Lynch was born on November 13, 1963, in London, England, to Muriel Scott and Clifford Lynch, who were originally from Jamaica. He was the eldest son among his siblings, and although he spent most of his childhood in the United States, he remained deeply proud of his Jamaican heritage throughout his life.

Lt. Lynch spent most of his adult life in New York. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the Borough of Manhattan Community College, but initially attended New York City Technical College, where he met the love of his life, Dolores (Rivera) Lynch. They shared 37 years of marriage and had two children together, Dr. Bionqua Sylvia Lynch Johnson and Michael Fitzgerald Lynch Jr. Together, they raised their beloved children in Brooklyn, New York, surrounded by family and lifelong friends.

Growing up in the church and having faith in God, Lt. Lynch found his purpose through devotion to public service. His career as a public servant to the City of New York began as a bus driver with the New York City Transit Authority, followed by several years of service as a police officer with the New York City Police Department. He later transitioned to the New York City Fire Department in 1999, where he found his true calling.

During his nearly ten-year career with the FDNY, he rose through the ranks to Lieutenant and courageously served as an emergency responder during the September 11, 2001, attacks—one of the most challenging and defining periods in the department’s history—demonstrating extraordinary bravery, resilience, and commitment to protecting others.

Lt. Lynch was a proud member of the Vulcan Society and honorably retired from the FDNY in 2008. His legacy of service, honor, and sacrifice remains a lasting part of the proud tradition of the department. May his bravery live on in the lives he touched, and may his memory continue to inspire those who carry on the work he so deeply loved.

Beyond the uniform, Lt. Lynch cherished spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed riding bikes, playing sports, and traveling with his wife and children. He especially loved fishing with his uncles, brothers, and close friends, often saying that when he was on the boat, he felt like he was floating on air. He enjoyed helping organize an annual fishing trip to Boston that brought together more than 100 people each year.

Lt. Lynch also loved to cook and was always ready to host a barbecue to bring people together and share laughter. He was extremely handy and self-taught, capable of fixing almost anything. A loyal friend, dependable neighbor, and generous soul. Lt. Lynch left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He will always be remembered for his big smile, loud laugh, unwavering loyalty, strength, and kindness—qualities that defined the man he was and the life he lived.

Lt. Lynch was a devoted family man and leaves the following family members to cherish his memory:

Wife: Dolores Lynch

Children: Dr. Bionqua Sylvia Lynch (Jarrett) Johnson; Michael Fitzgerald Lynch Jr.

Grandchildren: Catalia Cheryl Johnson; Chloe Ellis Johnson; Michael F. Lynch III; Jasmine Salinas

Father: Clifford Lynch

Mother-in-love: Dolores Pagan

Siblings: Sandra Lynch-Paulin; Patrick (Diana) Lynch; Clifton (Susan) Lynch; Sonia (Antonio) Lynch-Dillard; Dontrey Lynch Webster; Derrick Varner; Marcia Grant; Leon Lynch; Anwar Lynch; Roya Scotland; Lashana (Zackary) Lynch-Momoh.

He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, his Carroll Street family, and many friends and loved ones.

***** Services Attire Color: WHITE ***

- There is limited space for flower arrangements therefore In lieu of flowers please consider the following:

1- Sending monetary donations to the family to supply food for them during this time of mourning:

Electronic donations can be sent to a Michael’s daughter Bionqua at:

- Cash app: $Bionqua

- Venmo: @Bionqua-Lynch

- Zelle : 646-932-5134

2- Monetary donations for the Lt. Michael F. Lynch Memorial Foundation that is currently being created in honor of Lt. Lynch to provide scholarships to children of FDNY members. If you would like to provide a tax-deductible donation for 2026 in lieu of flowers, please email his daughter at any time ([email protected]) to receive additional information in the upcoming weeks

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Please consider making a short video using this link to share your favorite memory with Big Mike or your favorite video taken with/of him.

Celebrating the life of Michael Lynch

https://app.memento.com/celebrating-the-life-of-michael-f-lynch-sr-/O1nnCpUyqh/record

******PLEASE RESPECT THE FAMILY’S WISHES AND REFRAIN FROM SHARING THE FUNERAL INFORMATION PUBLICLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA******

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Virtual Zoom Information

For those who cannot join us in person for the celebration of life of Lieutenant Michael F. Lynch, please use the information below to join the livestream.

Topic: Lt. Michael F. Lynch Florida service

Time: Jan 24, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86234245210?pwd=AfLVOkxCvVunjtj6xN0ZftBxVyg3vC.1

Meeting ID: 862 3424 5210

Passcode: 344578