Nyack Memorial Day Hero: Michael Bovill

We asked our readers to send us stories of their loved ones who served the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard or Coast Guard to honor them this Memorial Day.

This was sent in by Roxanne Watson of Nyack.

Name of Memorial Day Hero

• Michael Bovill

Relationship to Nominee

• I received his heart on July 16, 2010.

Details of Service

• Here’s the story of a very special kind of American Hero, United States Coastguard Serviceman Michael Bovill, active duty, who lost his life on his way to his base. Michael saved 5 New Yorkers with his organ donations. He was 23 years old, a fireman, EMT and helicopter mechanic. He was born on May 3,1987 and died on July 15, 2010. He lived in California and New Jersey and was based in Eaton’s Neck, Long Island.

Roxanne Watson told Patch, “We are now up for a competition where we can win $200,000 to form a organ donation foundation in his name. There are 50 semi-finalists, 6 of whom are Americans, and only one New Yorker- me!”

Click here to learn more.

Patch thanks Michael Bovill for his service to our country.

CORRECTION 5/22/15: “ I am Jilayne Bovill, Michael Bovill’s Mom. I would like to make a few corrections on the article. Michael’s goal was to be a helicopter mechanic, but had not started the training. He was to start the engineering school the fall after his death. Also, he never lived in CA. He did live in other states as he grew up. NJ is a great place to be from. If Michael would have his say, he would say he was from FL. All four of my children were born in FL. He loved the warm state.”

Would you like to see your loved one featured? Here is how to submit their story:

1. Email a jpeg photo to wendy.mitchell@patch.com
2. In the subject line, write your town’s name. Ex: “Anytown Memorial Day Hero”
3. All in one email, along with the photo, please send the following information:

• Hero’s name
• Date of birth/death
• Rank, branch and years served
• War/place served
• Town and state they’re from