O'Sullivan Award - Bob Shanley

Bob began his community service coaching youth hockey and also helped coach an Orange Little League softball team. His volunteering for many organizations includes various insurance associations, the American Legion, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the West Haven Irish American Club. Professionally, Bob was an insurance agent with Nicholson Associates.

 

Shortly after moving to Orange, he became a parishioner at Holy Infant Church and served as an usher. On the Orange Democratic Town Committee, Bob served as the Nominating Committee chair, Finance/Fundraising Chair and helped to start the annual “Meet the Candidates” picnic. One of Bob’s proudest Orange volunteer assignments was being appointed to the Board of Police Commissioners.

 

As a member of the Peck Place PTA, Bob, along with his wife Donna, created the New York Giants versus Orange Charity Basketball game. This fundraiser benefited all four Orange schools.

For years, Bob was part of the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest single day spectator event in the state. In 1987, he had the honor of being selected Grand Marshal, which comes with the responsibility of leading the parade planning. Once named a Grand Marshal, honorees serve on the parade’s Executive Committee. Bob became Chair of the Executive Committee, helped with the parade’s annual golf tournament, and served on the By-Laws, Publicity, and Parade’s Grand Ball Committees. 

 

Sadly, Bob passed away in 2021. He is greatly missed.