The St. Patrick’s Parade committee has announced that for only the second time in the history of the Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade, there are co-Grand Marshals! AOH member John Cashin and LAOH member Marilyn Cashin have been named as Grand Marshals for the 2019 Manchester Saint Patrick’s Parade.
John was educated at St. Raphael’s Grammar School and St. Joseph’s High School in Manchester. Upon graduation he furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire School of Business.
John entered the United States Army in 1951 and served with distinction in the Korean Conflict. He is a decorated US Veteran including the Order of the Purple Heart for wounds endured in combat.
After leaving the Army in 1954 he continued in civil service with the US Government by working with the Internal Revenue Service from 1958 until his retirement.
John has served his community with his involvement in the Southwest Little League program and Manchester Babe Ruth program, including his work with the 1982 Babe Ruth World Series.
He was also very involved with the American Legion Baseball program at the City, State and Regional levels.
John has been a communicant at St. Raphael Parish and has served the parish by helping with the St. Raphael CYO basketball program and as a Parish Council member.
Besides his involvement with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, William Shanahan Division 1, John is also a member of Henry J. Sweeney Post 2. He served as Post Commander in 1985 and has served as the Finance Officer as well as on the Executive Committee in many capacities over the years.
John is also an original board member of Serenity Place here in Manchester.
Marilyn was born in Lynn, Massachusetts in a very Irish Catholic family. Prior to her marriage to John and raising a family, she worked at General Electric.
Marilyn is a past president of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and serves as the chair of the Charities and Missions program. She is also a Past Commander of the Henry J. Sweeney Post 2 Auxiliary. Marilyn has even won a trophy for her leadership from the Forty and Eight Veterans’ organization for her help raising money for nursing scholarships!
Marilyn has also served her community as a member of the Manchester Women’s Club, as an American Red Cross Volunteer and Trinity High School booster.
Marilyn remains involved at St. Raphael Parish along with her husband John – they are a team.
John and Marilyn were wed in 1957. They will be celebrating 62 years of marriage in January. John and Marilyn moved to the west side of Manchester in 1961 where they raised 5 children; John, Mary, Cathy, Joseph and Margaret. They still reside in the family home. Family has been a central focus in their lives and still continues as they shift their focus on their 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
John and Marilyn exemplify the old Irish adage of céad míle fáilte – “a hundred thousand welcomes”. They are very welcoming indeed, hosting many family parties where there is always room for one more at the table. They are quick with a cup of coffee or tea, quicker with a smile, and always quick to lend a hand to anyone in need.
John and Marilyn are a true Irish Blessing to all who have the privilege of knowing them! They are a great team and a great choice for Grand Marshal’s of the 2019 Manchester Saint Patrick’s Parade!