UNION COUNTY — The 2014 Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announced yesterday that Robert E. “Bobby” Jeans Sr. of Kenilworth has been named Grand Marshal of the 18th Annual Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Jeans, a decorated Vietnam veteran and retired Kenilworth Police Department lieutenant, has been involved with the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade for many years. A member of the Union County Emerald Society and the Nugent Association, he also belongs to several civic and veterans groups.
He is well-known for being active in the community as well as serving as the Commander of VFW Post 2230. Jeans also runs the Kenilworth Veterans Center where he continues to welcome and support Union County’s many Irish organizations.
“On parade day I will be celebrating my heritage and my family,” Jeans said. “I will be marching in honor of all proud Irish Americans.”
Jeans traces his Irish roots to County Cork.
“We are honored to have Bobby as our Grand Marshal,” said Parade General Chairwoman Kathleen Noonan. “And it is fitting that he is a veteran as this year’s parade is dedicated to America’s Prisoner of War/Missing in Action mission.”
Parade day will be a family day for Jeans as well as a celebration of his Irish heritage. He is looking forward to sharing the day with wife Lenore, his son Robert Jr., his daughter Stacie Kathryn and grandchildren McKenna, Emerson and Declan as they march down Morris Avenue.
Jeans will be officially installed as Grand Marshal on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. during the parade committee’s annual Investiture Mass at St. Theresa’s Church located at 541 Washington Ave., Kenilworth.
A reception for the Grand Marshal will follow at the Kenilworth Veterans Center located at 33 South 21st St. Admission to the reception is $20 per person which includes refreshments and Irish entertainment.
The 18th Annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. sharp on Saturday, March 15, on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information about the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com.