The Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade 31st Grand Marshal:

John S. Feeney

Born in Newark, N.J., the son of John S. and Catherine Bischoff Feeney, John (Jack) Feeney is the oldest of eleven children and was raised in Montclair, N.J. His paternal grandparents were both from Ireland. Jack is married to the former Rose M. Pignatora also from Newark. They were married in 1950 at St. James R.C. Church in Newark and are the proud parents of nine children and grandparents of eighteen. Jack now resides in Wall, N.J. and is a communicant of St. Denis R.C. Church. Jack is a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, Montclair, N.J. and attended Newark College of Engineering.

A 48 year career in the metals industry saw Jack become Vice-President, Sales; for Grammer, Dempsey & Hudson, Inc. and a senior member of the sales and management team in which he was responsible for sales forecasting; creating and implementing sales and marketing strategies; maintaining customer satisfaction; and motivating a multiple-member sales staff to achieve superior results. He was a past member of both the Steel Service Center of New York & New Jersey and the New York Railroad Club.

Jack, who is affectionately known as "Squire" Feeney, has had a very fulfilling (and full) life to date. He has been a past commissioner, president, chairman, associate, and member of so many organizations such as Fraternal Order of Police, Newark Lodge # 12; American Legion Post #1000; Assoc. of Environmental Authorities; Registration of Elections of Monmouth Co.; Middletown Sewage Authority; and a Notary Public.

A World War II veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Merchant Marine and Coast Guard, he was the recipient of the following decorations:

• Honorable Service Button
• Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Bar
• Atlantic War Zone Bar
• Pacific War Zone Bar
• Victory Medal
• Presidential Testimonial Letter

Squire Feeney was no slouch in the community service department either... some of his activities follow:

• Lifetime member, B.P.O.E. Elks... presently a member of Manasquan Lodge #2534
• Past President, St. Mary's Holy Name Society, New Monmouth, N.J.
• Member and Past President, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Jersey Shore Chapter... named "Irishman of the Year", 1991
• Member and Past President, Manasquan River Golf Club, Brielle,   N.J.
• Member, N.J. Seniors Golf Association
• Charter Member, World War II Memorial Society
• Charter Member and Past Trustee, Irish Federation of Monmouth County... named "Irishman of the Year", 1988
• Member, Giblin Association
• Member, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
• Member, 200 Club of Monmouth Co.
• Trustee Emeritus, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Jersey Shore Chapter
• Past Republican County Committeeman, Wall, N.J. and Middletown, N.J.

Qualifications? You bet! Jack Feeney may be the most qualified Grand Marshal the Parade Committee has ever elected and this is an incomplete list of Jack Feeney's accomplishments. This committee has always provided us with outstanding Marshals and Deputy Marshals... people, Irish people, really concerned and involved in their neighbor's well-being. The 2004 committee has made an outstanding choice once again... Jack Feeney has another feather in his cap: 2004 Belmar/So. Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal. Oremus!