2026 Dedicated:
JAMES "JIMMY" CRYAN
2026 Parade Dedication in Honor of James T. “Jimmy” Cryan
The 2026 Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade is proudly dedicated to the memory of James T. “Jimmy” Cryan,
formerly of Union, New Jersey.
Jim was the beloved son of the late Mary and John F. Cryan, a native of Ballinlough (Castlerea), County
Roscommon, Ireland. His father served with distinction as Essex County Sheriff and was honored as Grand
Marshal of the 1969 Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Jim’s maternal grandparents hailed from County Donegal, Ireland, further deepening his strong Irish roots.
The youngest of six children, Jim shared a close and loving bond with his siblings—Michael, Cissy, John, Joe,
and Eileen. His sister Cissy proudly served as Deputy Grand Marshal of the 1995 Newark Parade, continuing
the Cryan family’s long-standing legacy of service to the Irish community.
Jim was born in the Vailsburg section of Newark, where he attended Sacred Heart School. He later moved to South Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from Columbia High School. He married Noreen McCarthy, who dedicated her career to public service with the Essex County Board of Elections.
A lifelong champion of Irish culture, Jim proudly opened the 2005 Castlerea Rose Festival and served as Co-
Chair of the 2006 County Roscommon Society of New York Dinner Dance. A frequent visitor to Ireland, he was widely respected for his generous support of activities and organizations in Roscommon.
A successful and well-known businessman, Jim owned Cryan’s Beef and Ale in South Orange, a cherished gathering place for generations of Irish immigrants and friends. He also served as Commissioner of the South Orange Parking Authority. Numerous civic and community organizations recognized him for his charitable works, including the South Orange Lions Club, The JESPY House, Project Children, the South Orange Rescue Squad, and multiple law enforcement organizations throughout North Jersey.
Jim was a proud member of the Cryan Association, Giblin Association, and the County Roscommon Society.
He was honored by the Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society and EIES of New Jersey for his outstanding contributions to the Irish and Irish-American community.
In 2020, Jim and Noreen retired and relocated to Little River, South Carolina, where he remained active in the
restaurant business, enjoyed fishing, and treasured time with his wife. Though he moved south, Jim’s warmth
and generosity quickly made him a valued part of his new community.
James T. “Jimmy” Cryan will always be remembered for his kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to
his family, heritage, and community. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the traditions he so proudly upheld.
2025 Dedicated:
SEAN PATRICK SWEENEY
2024 Dedicated:
ROBERT P. LYNCH
The Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is proud to dedicate the 2024 parade in loving memory Robert P. Lynch.
Rob was a long serving member of our committee. He was always there to help with any activity that was Irish. He was a gracious and generous host of the parade committee. Many good times were had at the Kilkenny Alehouse. He was a leader in the Newark business community and was well respected by his peers. He was a dedicated father and husband. He had a contagious laugh and always was good for a great joke or story. His presence will be missed as we march down Central Avenue to conclude our annual tradition. We will have a warm heart thinking of Rob and his especially contagious personality on the Feast of St. Patrick.
Born in Rockville Centre, NY, he grew up in Medford Lakes and Glen Ridge prior moving to Verona in 1999. He was the owner of the Kilkenny Alehouse in Newark since 2006. He was an active member in the AOH Division 9 of Montclair and the Shillelagh Club of West Orange. Enthusiastically assisting in their many charitable events. He was a proud Irish American. He was currently the Vice President of the NJ License Beverage Association and helped work diligently on matters affecting his fellow business owners. Mr. Lynch is survived b;y his wife, Michelle Lynch; son, Robert A. Lynch; his siblings, Harold Lynch, Mary Jean Lynch, Eileen Vanderpool, Maureen Lynch, Rose Mary Heugle and James Lynch and many nieces and nephews.
2023 Dedicated:
Thomas H. Kenney
Strength and determination are how we will remember our father Thomas H. Kenney.
He would take on a challenge with pride and dignity, with of course the most amazing women by his side, every
step of the way. Married to Nancy for over 62 years.
Together they enjoyed raising 5 extraordinary children. He loved playing rummy cube, monopoly, and cards with
his 12 grandchildren, and he recently became a great grandfather.
His Irish heritage and dedication to Union workers defined him. He became a business agent for Local 68
Operating Engineers in 1976. He was grateful that his mentor, Uncle John J. Giblin lived to see this happen. He was
a great negotiator as a business agent and respected by his Union members and corporate leaders. Prior to retirement
he served as Vice President of Local 68.
The Saint Patrick’s Day parades were always special. In the early days, our father and brothers would rent tuxedos,
and Top Hats, and we would all march together. In 1997, he was the Deputy Grand marshal of the West Orange parade.
He was born with leadership abilities and once he had an idea, he would see it through. He was Grand Knight of
the Knights of Columbus, Chairman of the board for Cooperation of Political Education, secretary, and treasurer for
Essex/West Hudson Labor Council. These organizations were the political arm of the Labor Movement.
In his book, A Life Story memoir, he shared his secret to success. And I quote, “If I had advice for the younger generation of today. Just be honest and follow your intuitions. The direction that the world is going is fine. The world
corrects itself. Each of us has a job, and that is to be an honest and forthright person.”
Dad, now that you are an Angel. We can pray to you, rather than for you.
Your strength and determination will live on in all of us for all the days and years to come.
Rest in Peace. Love you always.
2022 Dedicated:
Mary Sweeney Hall
