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2019 Parade Grand Marshal

Robert "Bobby" Lehane

 

Robert T. Lehane Jr (Robbie) was born in Newport, RI on April 26, 1954to Robert and Nora (Malvey) Lehane.  The second of three children (Kathleen and Joseph) he graduated from DeLaSalle Academy in 1972.  Robbie then attended Stonehill College, graduating with a degree in history in 1976.  He continued his education at URI obtaining a degree in Nutrition in 1983.

 

After finishing his college education, Robbie interned at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla, California, where he became a Registered Dietitian.  He then worked for Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego and Bristol-Myers Squibb in the San Francisco Bay area, before being transferred to his home state of Rhode Island in 1991.

 

Robbie married Jean Patricia Andrade in 1989 and has four children:  Robert III, Mary, Kerry, and Meghan - and their adopted Lab, Pierce.  They reside in Portsmouth, RI where their children attend school.  He enjoyed coaching his son Bobby in basketball and baseball and watching his daughters play sports and compete in Irish dance.  He often speaks of his family as the joy of his life.

 

In 2004, Robbie, Jeannie and their children traveled to Ireland.  While there, he met relatives and saw where his grandfather and grandmother were born and raised.   The family hiked the ancient Fort Dun Aengus in the Aran Islands, swam in Galway Bay, kissed the Blarney stone and stayed in Dromoland Castle.  The trip was one of the highlights of his life.

 

Robbie is an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  He is a third generation Hibernian, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Joseph “Daddy Joe” Lehane and his father, Bob Sr.  He is also a former President of the AOH and was Hibernian of the Year in 2007.  He was awarded the Fenian Award a few years later.  Robbie is also a member of the AOH Men’s singers.

Robbie is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and is a former Past Grand Knight.  He enjoys organizing yearly blood drives, volunteering for various events and serving as a trustee.

 

Robbie relishes time with his family, working out, playing golf, gardening, and cheering on his favorite college and pro sports teams.  He especially likes watching his daughter Meghan excel in high school and club sports - as he did with his first three children, proudly and rarely, if ever, missing a game, match or dance recital.

 

Robbie says as an American of Irish descent, being chosen as the Grand Marshal for the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the greatest honor.  He remembers attending and then marching in the Parade as far back as early childhood.  He was especially proud to watch his three daughter’s Irish Step dance in this Parade for many years.  Recently, his son began marching alongside him 

 

The Parade Committee is proud to announce their selection of Robert T. Lehane Jr as the 63rd Annual Grand Marshal of the Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

 

 

Parade Committee is proud to announce their selection of Bobby Lehane as the 63rd Annual Grand Marshal of the Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

 

 

About This Year’s Button:

Our yearly button designs try to incorporate the vocation or interests of our Grand Marshal.  For the 2019 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade our Grand Marshal is Robert "Bobby" Lehane.  The “Celtic Cross”, with its beautiful interlace, signifies the Grand Marshals ethnic heritage and his active role in the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization. The 2-color nimbus represents a halo for his grace, faith, and compassion. All of which is displayed on the Irish tricolor.

 

 

<Official Roast Program>

 

 

The Parade Committee, an all-volunteer group of people, work tirelessly year-round to perform the countless tasks required to produce the many events that take place, culminating in the Parade.  One of most enjoyable task is designing the Official Parade logo honoring our Grand Marshal.  Often, working with a designer, we go though many prototypes.  The Lehane year was no different.  This year let us share one of our prototype designs.  Hope you enjoy it!

 

 

So why was this design not used? Golf is one of the Grand Marshal's passions. The color purple, a favorite of Bobby's.  However, in the end, the traditional Celtic Cross verses the Scottish golf club and ball was chosen. Thanks for all the hard work by the designer, Mike Marshal, and the Committee!