The late John J. Droney will be honored with a new wartime street sign thanks to the Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission.
— an announcement from the Darien Monuments and Ceremonies Commission
John Droney, 94, passed away Sept. 28. His wake will be on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and his funeral the next day.
The sign will be unveiled at 12 noon, Sunday, May 26, at Miller Road, off Hoyt Street (Route 106). The public is invited to attend.
Jack received his draft notice on Sept. 8, 1950. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to the 508th Military Police Battalion with the rank of corporal. His military service lasted from Nov. 11, 1950, to Nov 20, 1956. During his time in the service, he became an American citizen.
Miller Road is special to Jack, who had a strong bound with the Miller family. One Sunday evening, Jack received a frantic call from Mr. Miller asking him to please fix his son Adam’s tire swing. This phone call was the start of a long-time friendship between the Miller family and Jack and his wife, Mary.
Years later, Mr. Miller retired from his job in New York City and asked Jack and Mary to purchase the Miller’s home which included six building lots. After the purchase, Jack worked with neighbors to change the top half of the street to half-acre zoning. The Planning and Zoning Department had never had a request to up the zoning like this before.
Jack and Mary build their dream house on Miller Road. They raised their three children and lived in this house until their passing.
Jack was an active member of St. Thomas More Church and served on the parish council. He was as active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America — Holmes School Troop. He helped his son and grandson earn their Eagle Awards.
Every Memorial Day, he invited the Boy Scouts to decorate his trailer for the parade down the Boston Post Road. This activity was important to Jack.
See his obituary here: John Droney, 94, Irish Immigrant, Veteran, Longtime Buildings & Grounds Supervisor for Wilton Schools (Oct. 1, 2019)