Grand Marshal, Date Announced For Greenwich's St. Patrick's Day Parade

GREENWICH, CT — Planning is in full-swing for the 47th annual Greenwich St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m.

Leading this year's festivities will be Kevin McFadden, who was named as grand marshal by the Greenwich Hibernian Association. McFadden will officially be installed as the grand marshal during the association's annual St. Patrick's dinner dance on March 4.

McFadden was born in Greenwich, the son of Francis and Pearl McFadden.

His grandparents Michael McFadden of Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, Ireland, and Anne E. O’Neill McFadden of Dumbarton, Scotland, came to America in 1929 and settled in Greenwich where they raised five children and were active members of St. Mary parish.

Kevin attended school in Greenwich from kindergarten through 12th grade at Greenwich Catholic School and St Mary High School. He then attended Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y.

In June of 1992, Kevin was hired by the New York City Police Department. He spent 17 years at the 32nd police precinct in Harlem and finished his career assigned to the Patrol Manhattan North Operations Unit.

After a 28-year-career with the NYPD, he retired in September of 2020. In retirement, Kevin works private security for Morgan Stanley.

Kevin and members of his family have also served the community as firefighters for many years. His father and three uncles were active volunteers with the Central Greenwich Station.

Kevin has been heavily involved with the Knights of Columbus Orinoco Council No. 39 of Greenwich, and the Port Chester, N.Y., Fire Department over the years. He's an active member of the Westchester County Football Officials Association and referees at all levels of football from youth to high school

Kevin lives in Port Chester with his wife Danielle. The couple has two children, Justin and Maryn.

"He and his family have both been very active in the community," said Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Events Publicity Chairman James Dougherty. "His family has a lot of history with the volunteer fire department. Kevin himself has been very active with the Knights of Columbus and the charity work they do. He served as a police officer in New York for many years, so we thought he was a well-rounded guy who was a perfect person to be our grand marshal."

Kevin told Patch he was humbled when he found out he was going to be the grand marshal — something he thought would never happen. Since the parade's inception, he said he's been involved as either a spectator or participant.

"It's very meaningful to me. My grandparents immigrated to this country in search of a better life. To be honored like this is huge. Being born and raised in Greenwich, my family was born and raised in Greenwich, and being part of such a spectacular thing, means a lot to me," he added.

The parade triumphantly returned to Greenwich last year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dougherty said that while attendance was great last year, it was a bit of a re-learning experience after being away for so long. He's hoping for an even bigger turnout in 2023 as the pandemic wanes.

Parade information and updates will be posted on the Greenwich Hibernian’s website.