Meet the Deputy Grand Marshals of the 2018 West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Meet Robert Lynch, Sean McGinley and Brad Squires, the Deputy Grand Marshals of this Sunday’s West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Deputy Grand Marshal Robert Lynch:
Lynch was born into a large Irish Catholic family with six siblings: four sisters and two brothers. Their parents and grandparents taught them to be proud of their Irish heritage.
He spent most of his childhood in South Jersey before moving to Glen Ridge in 1980. Shortly after, Lynch met Pete Fess of Fess’s Tavern (on Main Street) and began attending the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Over the years, he became more involved with multiple Irish organizations and is currently a member of the AOH Division 9 in Montclair and the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Essex County Chapter in West Orange.
Lynch met his wife, Michele, in 1996 and moved to Verona after they married. Their a son, Robert, is currently a senior at Seton Hall Prep.
He owns and operates the Kilkenny Ale House in Newark, where he is an active supporter and sponsor of numerous Irish organizations in the community.
Deputy Grand Marshal Sean J. McGinley:
McGinley was born the youngest of three boys, behind Gary Owen and Liam James, in West Orange in 1970. His father, Liam McGinley, immigrated to Newark in 1959 from County Donegal with his parents and three brothers, while his mother, Margaret O’Mahony, immigrated from County Limerick to reunite with her brother, Neil, who had led the way a few years earlier.
McGinley, a West Orange High School graduate of 1988, has deep roots West Orange that spans many decades. He followed his passion of the construction industry, and successfully completed a four-year apprenticeship with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in Local Union 1342.
In 2001, McGinley continued a strong family tradition in joining his father, brothers and numerous cousins in the Internal Union of Operating Engineers Local 68. After spending four years working in downtown Jersey City, he went on his own and established McGinley Building Services.
McGinley and his wife, Carole, have twin daughters, Madison Grace and Cadence Alice, who he said are his pride and joy. He is a genuine “Swim & Cheer Dad,” always willing to participate in the girls’ activities.
He is an active member of the Giblin Association, where he was the 2013 honoree and currently sits on the Board of Governors. He is also a strong supporter of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, which honored him as the Friend of the Shillelaghs in 2015. His guidance and hands-on help with the club’s capital improvements has proven invaluable, and he is always willing to help out when called upon.
For as long as McGinley can remember, the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade has always the center of the “High Holy Holidays” in the McGinley House. It is with great pride that he and his family have marched up Main Street, displaying their love of their community and their heritage.
Deputy Grand Marshal Brad Squires:
Squires was born in Montclair to David and Barbara (nee Beirne, a lifelong resident of West Orange) Squires. He is the ninth generation of Squires in the United States, dating back to the early 1600’s.
His Irish roots date back to his paternal grandmother, Regina Bannon of Dublin, Ireland, who immigrated to New York in the early 1900’s. She married David Squires, Sr., and moved to Lynbrook, NY before settling in Maplewood. David Squires Sr.’s grandmother, Margaret Cassidy, hailed from County Westmeath, Ireland.
Squires’ maternal great-grandparents, Thomas Beirne and Mary Rushe, emigrated from Ireland in the late 1800s, settling in Newark and the Oranges, where they met and married. Both hailed from County Roscommon (Great Grandfather of Frenchpark and Great Grandmother of Elphin).
Squires was raised in West Orange with his older siblings, Susan O’Brien and Drew Squires. Growing up, Brad’s love and pride he had for his Irish heritage were paralleled by the love and pride he had for his hometown…and he took great pride in honoring both every year on Parade Day. He said one of his fondest childhood memories was growing up near the parade route, and to date, he has never missed a parade.
After graduating West Orange High School, Brad went on to attend Rutgers University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Pursuant of his ambition for law enforcement, Brad was hired by the Orange Police Department in 1999, and completed the Essex County Police Academy.
During his time at the Orange Police Department, Brad served as police officer, then assigned as detective to the Street Crimes Narcotics Task Force, and subsequently Detective of Criminal Investigations. He proudly served as President of Orange PBA, Local #89.
In 2004, he transitioned to the West Orange Police Department, and became a member of the West Orange PBA Local #25, where he now serves as Vice President. He is currently assigned to the Community Service Unit, where he represents the police within the community of his hometown. He has taught D.A.R.E./L.E.A.D. throughout the West Orange elementary schools, and prides himself on building strong, positive relationships within the youth community.
Throughout the years, Brad has earned several Essex County Conference PBA and departmental awards. Additionally, he received the West Orange Elks Lodge #1590 Citizen of the Year Award in 2016.
Brad is a member of the Essex County Emerald society, and has marched in previous parades as such. He is also a member of the West Orange Elks Lodge #1590, The Irish American Society of the Oranges, and has volunteered his time with the West Orange PAL. He is currently serving on the board for the West Orange Municipal Federal Credit Union as Vice Chair.
Brad married his love, Denise, in 2004. They reside in Long Valley with their two children, Braden (son) and Shea (daughter), whom he said he is very proud of. They look forward to, and take tremendous pride in marching together for the first time as a family.