North Branford is mourning the loss of Michael Doody, a former Mayor and Deputy Chief of Police, retired; following his passing on Aug. 11.

Doody, a Northford native, provided many years of elective and volunteer service to the town, including seven terms serving with the Town Council. Doody was first elected to the council for the 2005-07 term; then as Mayor for the 2007-09 term and as Deputy Mayor for the 2009-11 term. He was returned as a councilman in 2011-13; followed by serving as Mayor for two consecutive terms (2015-17; 2017-19), before completing his years of service as member of the 2019-21 Town Council. Doody also served with the Agricultural Commission (2007-11); Conservation Commission (1990-94); Inland Wetlands Agency (1989-90), Planning and Zoning Commission (1989-90) and Human Relations Commission (1987-89).

Doody joined the North Branford Police Department (NBPD) in 1976, rising through the ranks to serve as Deputy Chief. He retired from NBPD in 2010. Doody relocated to Illinois in 2021 to start his own trucking company, White Hollow, LLC, according to his obituary.

In a message shared with the community on Aug. 11, North Branford Chief of Police James Lovelace said on that day that, “ ...the North Branford Police Department lost a legend.”

“Deputy Chief Doody was the epitome of what it means to be a police officer. His dedication to this department and Town goes unmatched. Always putting this town and this department before himself. Deputy Chief Doody had a long and distinguished career over 34 years, not only in this department but in emergency services and serving many roles of leadership within the town, most notably Mayor Michael Doody,” Lovelace shared. “Deputy Chief Doody led this department through many instrumental bench marks through his career. This department would not be where it is today if it was not for his foresight, determination, leadership and unwavering love for law enforcement. Our hearts, with deepest sympathy, go out to his loved ones, especially his wife and children. Please keep the Doody family, relatives and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

To honor Doody, North Branford Mayor Rose Angeloni ordered that U.S. flags at all Town of North Branford municipal buildings, schools, and facilities be lowered to half-staff in honor of his passing. Individuals, businesses, and other private entities within North Branford were encouraged to do the same.

Flags were ordered to be lowered at all stations effective sunrise on Aug. 15 until interment on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Doody is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; son, Michael Doody Jr., daughter, Melissa, and many extended family members. Obituary information provided by North Haven Funeral Home notes visiting hours will be Friday, Aug. 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. On Saturday, Aug. 24, family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 at St. Monica Church/St. Ambrose Parish, 1331 Middletown Avenue, Northford, with the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.