Tom Keane
Thomas Keane of Fairfield has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in recognition of his decades of leadership, service, and dedication to the Irish American community.
A proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), John F. Kennedy Division #1 of Bridgeport, Tom has been one of the organization’s most steadfast leaders. He is the longest-serving Division President in its history (2009–2018), and today continues to serve as Recording Secretary while also holding active roles at the county and state levels of the AOH. Guided by the Hibernian motto of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity, Tom is the first to reach out to a brother in need, whether organizing recruitment drives, spearheading fundraisers, or volunteering at the Merton Center to serve breakfast to the less fortunate.
Tom’s service extends far beyond the AOH. He has been an active member of the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, where he has served for years as editor of the parade journal and as a trusted Committee member. His work has strengthened the financial stability of the parade and elevated its professional promotion, ensuring that Bridgeport’s annual celebration of Irish heritage continues to thrive. More recently, he helped organize our Masses.
A familiar face at the Gaelic American Club (GAC) in Fairfield, Tom is also active with Feile, Inc., lending his energy and enthusiasm to support Irish cultural programs. He is well-known for his tireless volunteerism—whether selling raffle tickets, raising funds for charitable causes, or supporting Irish-American institutions such as the Irish Hunger Museum, Malta House, Homes for the Brave, and Off the Streets.
Tom is also remembered for his generosity of spirit, often purchasing books for children in need at Christmastime, flipping pancakes at community breakfasts, or serving meals to the homeless. Those who know him describe his commitment as boundless, his energy as infectious, and his dedication as unwavering.
Through his leadership, charity, and devotion to Irish-American traditions, Tom Keane has exemplified the very best of his heritage. His selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fitting tribute to a man whose life has been defined by service to others, pride in his faith, and love of his community.
Congratulations Grand Marshal Tom Keane!
Past Parade Grand Marshals
2025 Mark T. Ryan, DMD
2024 Jimmy Feeney
2023 Gerry Reidy
2020 & 2021 Mary Ann Doonan
2019 Peter Carroll
2018 Ann Marie Curtin and David Curtin
2017 Tom McCarthy
2016 Alanna Kabel
2015 Ted Lovely
2014 Terry O’Connor
2013 Ed & Peggy O’Connor
2012 Richard & Deborah Owens
2011 Frank Carroll
2010 Bob O’Keefe
2009 Peter Bellew
2008 Robert Curwen
2007 Patrick Daly
2006 John Carolan
2005 Connie & Art Beagan
2004 Robert Emmett O’Sullivan
2003 Dave Howe
2002 James O’Donnell
2001 Patrick Carolan
2000 John Smith
1999 Ann Migliore
1998 Patrick Boland
1997 Cathy Brannelly Austin & Maura Brannelly O’Mailley
1996 Kevin Conlisk
1995 Father Michael J. Flynn C.S.S.P.
1994 Dick Callahan
1993 Marge & Bob Sheehan
1992 William J. Carroll
1991 Mae King
1990 John Sullivan
1989 Joseph Walsh
1988 Frank McEvoy
1987 John F. McCarthy
1986 James “Bud” Keane
1985 Frank McGee
1984 Patrick Sherwin
1983 Martin Reidy
