In Loving Memory of Thomas D. Lawrence 
1947–2026
It is with profound sadness that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee mourns the passing of our dear friend, Thomas D. Lawrence, who passed away on July 4, 2026.
Tom dedicated his life to serving his country, his community, and the Irish-American organizations he cherished. He proudly served as a United States Army Veteran, a Retired Newark Police Officer, and later as Training Coordinator for Local 68. For many years, Tom faithfully served as Adjutant of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, where his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment helped preserve and strengthen our proud traditions.
Tom was also a devoted member of numerous Irish organizations, including the John J. Giblin Association, Frank McGovern Association, John F. Cryan Association, Ironbound Irish Association, and the Essex County Emerald Society. His love for his Irish heritage and his willingness to serve others left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
After many years in Northern New Jersey, Tom enjoyed his retirement in Florida. Although he had moved away, he always remained a valued member of our parade family, and his friendship and contributions will never be forgotten.
On behalf of the officers, trustees, committee members, and volunteers of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.
May God grant Tom eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Keeping the Tradition Alive.
Please see the link below
https://www.costa
memorialhome.com
/obituaries/thomas-lawrence
It is with great sadness that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee shares the passing of Michael J. Ruane.
Please keep the Ruane Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the love and support of family, friends, and all who knew and cared for Michael.
For funeral arrangements and to leave condolences, please visit:
Funeral Arrangements for Michael J. Ruane
May Michael rest in eternal peace. 
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Joseph F. Nugent.
On behalf of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, we extend our deepest condolences to the Nugent Family during this difficult time.
Joseph and the Nugent Family have been longtime supporters and friends of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and we are truly grateful for their dedication, kindness, and support throughout the years. Their generosity and commitment to our Irish community will always be remembered.
Please keep the Nugent Family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn this tremendous loss. 
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
(May his soul be at the right hand of God.)
The Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee extends its deepest sympathies to Essex County Commissioner Leonard M. Luciano and his family on the passing of his beloved father, Leonard M. Luciano Jr.
During this difficult time, we ask our Parade family and friends to please keep Commissioner Luciano and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in the love of family, the support of friends, and the cherished memories they shared.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements and obituary information can be found at the link below:https://www.
dignitymemorial.com
/obituaries/livingston-nj/leonard-luciano-12904636
t is with a very heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of John Marrin, a cherished member of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade family.
John proudly served as Recording Secretary for many years, dedicating countless hours to ensuring the success and legacy of our parade. His commitment, professionalism, and love for the Irish community touched not only our organization but so many others he was involved with throughout the years.
John was more than a volunteer—he was a friend, a leader, and someone who truly embodied what it means to give back. His presence, his work, and his spirit will never be forgotten.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For those wishing to pay their respects, please see the link below for funeral arrangements:
May he rest in eternal peace.
It is with great sadness that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee shares the passing of our 1993 Deputy Grand Marshal, Nancy Tully.
Nancy was truly an unbelievable woman whose dedication and support for the Newark Parade and countless Irish organizations touched so many lives. Her kindness, spirit, and commitment to “Keeping the Tradition Alive” will never be forgotten.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing her. She will be greatly missed by our entire Parade family.
Please see the link below for funeral arrangements
May she rest in peace. 
It is with great sadness that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee shares the passing of Peggy Cirone, beloved sister of our Deputy Grand Marshal, Frank Yorke.
Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with Frank and the entire Yorke family during this very difficult time. May Peggy rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ.
Please keep the Yorke family in your thoughts and prayers.
It is with great sadness that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announces the passing of Elizabeth O’Hara.
Elizabeth was a proud member of the Irish community whose warmth, kindness, and devotion to family and faith touched so many lives. Born in County Sligo, Ireland, she later made her home in Union, New Jersey, where she remained deeply connected to her Irish heritage and community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the O’Hara family and all who knew and loved her. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
For funeral arrangements and additional information, please see the link below:
https://www.dignity
memorial.com/
obituaries/union-nj/elizabeth-ohara-12774468
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Valerie Feeney, 1979 Deputy Grand Marshal of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, who left us on January 18, 2026.
Valerie was a truly exceptional person whose dedication, passion, and tireless support for the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade and our broader Irish community were remarkable and will never be forgotten. She gave so much of herself — always with heart, always with purpose — and her contributions touched countless lives.
We are forever grateful for her friendship, leadership, and spirit.
Please keep Valerie’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
For funeral arrangements and more information, please visit the link below:
We will miss her dearly.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, Margie Cole, earlier today.
Margie was a cherished member of our extended community and a beloved friend to so many. Her kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit will always be remembered.
We ask that you please keep Jere, Dawn, Kelly, and the entire Cole family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. For arrangements please follow the link:
May Margie’s memory be a blessing, and may her family find comfort in the love and support that surrounds them.
It is with a heavy heart that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee shares the sad news of the passing of Joseph Critchley, the beloved father of Kasey Critchley, our 2004 Deputy Grand Marshal.
Kasey and her family have long been part of the fabric of our Parade family, and we extend our deepest condolences to her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Please keep Kasey and the entire Critchley family in your thoughts and prayers.
Please see the link below for funeral arrangements.
May Joseph Critchley rest in eternal peace. 
It is with a heavy heart that the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee shares the passing of our dear friend Francis “Skeeter” Keefe.
Skeeter was a proud Hibernian whose dedication, friendship, and unwavering commitment touched not only our Parade, but so many Irish organizations throughout our community.
His presence, loyalty, and love for Irish heritage will never be forgotten. Skeeter meant so much to so many, and his legacy will live on in the friendships and traditions he so proudly supported.
Please keep Skeeter and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements may be found at the link below:
May he rest in eternal peace.
It is with deep sympathy that we share the passing of Ruth Smith, beloved mother of 2023 Deputy Grand Marshal Rick Smith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and his entire family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the love, memories, and support that surround them.
Please see the link below for all funeral arrangements:On behalf of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, we extend our heartfelt condolences.
May Ruth rest in eternal peace.
The Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of the mother-in-law of our 2010 Grand Marshal, Christopher J. Durkin. She passed away on November 27, 2025.
Please keep Danielle Durkin and the entire Durkin family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Durkin family.
Please see the link below for the arrangements.https:
In Memory of Bobby Lamb
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, Bobby Lamb.
Bobby was such a big part of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a proud supporter of so many Irish organizations throughout the years. His kindness, laughter, and unwavering dedication to our Irish community touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He will truly be missed — by his friends, fellow committee members, and the entire Irish family he helped keep together through his spirit and love for our traditions.
Please keep Kathleen and the entire Lamb family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Eugene Byrne.Eugene was an incredible supporter of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and a proud 1990 Grand Marshal. Over the years, he also served the Committee with dedication and distinction as Judge of Elections and as a valued member of the Counsel.
Eugene’s commitment, kindness, and love for our Irish community will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Please visit the link below for Eugene’s arrangements and service information:
In Loving Memory of Edward Joseph McGovern The Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is deeply saddened to share the passing of Edward Joseph “Eamonn” McGovern, a dedicated longtime supporter whose love for our parade and community was unwavering.
His commitment to our Irish heritage and his warm spirit touched so many lives.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family—especially his son, Sean McGovern, our 2025 Grand Marshal. Sean, know that your parade family stands with you in grief and in honoring your father’s memory.
Visiting hours and service details are posted on the Dangler Funeral Home website. Please click the link below for full information:
Edward Joseph McGovern — Dangler Funeral Home Obituary & Service Info
Dangler Funeral Home
May Edward’s memory live on in our hearts and in every parade step forward.
In Loving Memory of Mary McGinley
Beloved mother of 2022 Deputy Grand Marshal Eileen McGinley Hannaford
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mary McGinley, a cherished member of our Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade family and the beloved mother of 2022 Deputy Grand Marshal Eileen McGinley Hannaford.
Mary was a devoted supporter of the Parade for many years. Her pride shone brightly when Eileen was honored as Deputy Grand Marshal in 2022—a moment that brought her immense joy and pride. Mary’s warm heart, unwavering support, and love for Irish heritage touched many and will be dearly missed.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the McGinley and Hannaford families during this difficult time.
You can view Mary’s obituary and service details here:Until then, we remember her with this traditional Irish blessing:
“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
In Loving Memory of Nancy Farrell It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend, Nancy Farrell, on September 3, 2025.
Nancy was more than the beloved wife of our General Chairman, Michael Farrell—she was a true pillar of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade family. Together, Nancy and Michael dedicated countless years to preserving and celebrating our Irish heritage. Nancy’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering support touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her proudest parade moment was standing by Michael’s side as Grand Marshal in 2003. Most recently, Nancy served as Chief of Staff during the 2022 Grand Marshal year of Jere E. Cole. She carried out her role with grace, devotion, and a heart full of Irish pride.
Nancy will be deeply missed by all of us in the Parade Committee and the wider Irish community. Her spirit and love will live on in every step of our parade.
For details on Nancy’s services, please click here:
Nancy Farrell –
May her soul rest in eternal peace.