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AOH member Alan “Al” Heidenreich has been named as the Grand Marshal for the 2017 Manchester Saint Patrick’s Parade. He was nominated by AOH member Dick Phelan. The committee consisting of the 5 most recent Past Grand Marshals unanimously selected Al for Grand Marshal.
Al was born and raised in the city of Manchester. Al was born to Ernest H. Heidenreich and Alberta Eileen Sullivan. Al attended St. Raphael School and graduated from West High School after which he studied at St. Anselm College.
Al joined the US Army, serving his country from 1951-1954, serving with the Military police in the Army of occupation, West German zone. Al spent his working life in automotive sales and leasing here in the city of Manchester.
He has been involved in his community throughout the years. He was a Scoutmaster, Little League coach and volunteered for every job that comes along with raising a family. Al and his wife Barbara have been volunteer ushers at the Palace Theatre for 25 years
Al is an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Rev. William Sheehan Division 1 in Manchester, NH and a past vice-president. He was instrumental in reviving the annual Communion Breakfast at St. Raphael Parish held on a Sunday in the month of October.
Al also volunteers with his AOH brothers regularly at New Horizons in Manchester, serving dinner to those less fortunate than himself and works at promoting the Gail Singer Blood Drive annually for the AOH members.
Al is the Founder West High School Alumni Association as well as the founder West High School Booster Club. He was inducted into the Manchester High School West Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Spirit of Manchester Award in 2003.
He remains very active in the community, working with senior citizens at the William Cashin Senior Center on the city’s west side. Al is the founder and leader of the singing group “Forever Young” and they have been entertaining the senior citizens at nursing homes as well as veterans regularly for the last 6 years.
Al has his own television show on Manchester Cable Access TV, “In My Opinion” where he has been a vocal advocate for senior citizens, veterans and the Irish culture.
Al is a Past Commander at American Legion, Sweeney Post #2 and for many years has been an active member of the Color Guard for Sweeney Post. Al is also very active in all of the local Veteran’s projects in the community.
Additionally, he is a member VFW Post 8214, NH Korean War Veterans Assn #320 and a Life member of the NH Veterans Association.
Al and his wife Barbara recently celebrated 60 years of marriage and are looking forward to many more. They have 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
Al is a very busy man in the city of Manchester but always has time to help make the community a better place to live and always willing to promote his Irish heritage, even with a surname of German descent!
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