Grand Marshal:
Mr. Hugh O'Neill
Hugh O’Neill, Kearny born and raised, is the son of Betty and the late Hugh O’Neill Jr.
He attended St. Cecilia’s Grammar school in Kearny and then went on to Essex Catholic High School in Newark and the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He earned All-American Soccer honors at both schools. O’Neill then played professional soccer in the North American Soccer League (NASL), the American Soccer League (ASL – Carolina Lightnin’ 1981 Champions), the Major Indoor soccer League (MISL), as well as a season in the Scottish First Division. He was also a member of the 1975-1976 US Olympic Soccer Team.
Upon his retirement from professional soccer, O’Neill returned to Kearny with his family. O’Neill has been a coach in the Kearny Youth Soccer league for nearly 25 years. He is also a coach in the Kearny Thistle soccer program. O’Neill is Director of Global Sales for Rotuba Extruders, Inc. in Linden, NJ.
O’Neill is involved with several community organizations including the Scots-American Club (Past President), the Irish-American Assn., and the Kearny Celtic Supporters Club (Past President).
O’Neill and his wife, Karen, have three children, Michelle, John, and Catherine. They also have two grandchildren, Tyler and Delaney. Upon hearing the news that he had been elected as Grand Marshal, O’Neill said, “Must be the luck of the Irish. This is really a tribute to my entire family.”
Deputy Grand Marshals:
Mr. Bob Gerris
Bob Gerris, a life long resident of Harrison, is the son of Tom and Betty Gerris. He attended Essex Catholic High School and served in the United States Army where he was stationed at Ft. Dix, NJ, Ft. Rucker, AL, Ft. Hood, TX, and Stuttgard Army Air Field in Germany.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Gerris joined the Harrison Fire Department in 1980. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1990.
Gerris is a life member of the NJ State FMBA, NJ State Fireman’s Association, and the NJ Exempt Fireman’s Association. He is the Past President of the Harrison Firemen's Benevolent Association, a member of Knights of Columbus Council #402, American Legion Post #282 of Harrison, the Harrison/East Newark ELKS, and the Scots American Club in Kearny. Gerris coaches little league baseball and recreation soccer in Harrison and also volunteers for Read Across America.
Gerris and his wife, Ruth, have two children, Lisa & Danny. When he was notified that he had been elected Deputy Grand Marshal, Gerris said, “ I'm honored. One of my earliest memories is of marching in the parade with my father and grandfather. They would be very proud."
James P. Doran, Ed.D
James P. Doran, Ed.D., a resident of Harrison, is the son of Robert & the late Sandra Doran. He attended Harrison High School and Seton Hall University where he earned his Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.
Dr. Doran has been an educator for his entire career, becoming a certified teacher in 1985. In 1989 he was appointed Principal/Supervisor of all Adult and Alternative Programs for the Hudson County Schools of Technology, a position he currently holds. He has written extensively over the years on issues related to education, "at risk" youth, and small learning environments. In addition to his employment as a school administrator, Doran also works as a real estate agent with Harrison Realty.
Dr. Doran's involvement in the community is extensive. In 1988 he was appointed by former Harrison Mayor Frank Rodgers to serve on the Board of Education. He served as that Board's President from 1990-1998. In 1998 Doran was elected to a Council seat from Harrison's 4th Ward where he currently serves as the Police Committee Chairman and Member of the Board of School Estimate. Harrison Mayor Raymond Mc Donough, a past parade Grand Marshal, congratulated Doran on this occasion stating that "the United Irish made an excellent choice in selecting Jim to be a Deputy Grand Marshal".
Dr. Doran is active in many of the community's cultural, civic, and service organizations and is very proud of his Irish heritage. In 2004, Doran was selected as "Irishman of the Year” by the Knights of Columbus in Harrison.
On his election as Deputy Grand Marshal, Doran said, "I am deeply honored to be selected by this prestigious association. Contributing to our community, as these member organizations of the United Irish do so well, while celebrating our Irish heritage, enhances the cultural traditions of the entire West Hudson Community."