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Friday, August 23, 2024
Vol. 84, No. 34
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Town renames street to honor Marine veteran Officials from the Town of Hempstead recently held a patriotic street renaming ceremony to honor the memory and legacy of John “Jack” Kilbride, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and Freeport police officer, who passed away from an Agent Orange-related illness last year. Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll were joined by Kilbride’s family and friends, members of the Marine Corp., and local neighbors as they dedicated Jack Kilbride USMC Way at the intersection of Blue Spruce Road and Oaktree Lane in Levittown. “Jack Kilbride left a lasting impression and an enduring legacy here in his home community of Levittown, and thanks to this rededication ceremony, his legacy will continue to live on,” said Supervisor Clavin. “For generations to come, residents will learn the about the Corporal who guided soldiers through combat, the police officer who advocated for veterans, and the caring man who did
Friends and family of Levittown veteran Jack Kilbride gathered with officials from the Town of Hempstead to rename a Levittown street in his honor. anything and everything for his family.” Jack was born and raised in Levit-
Old Time Social at Gregory Museum The Hicksville Gregory Museum will be hosting an "Old Time Social" on Saturday, September 7, from 1 – 4 p.m. Enjoy banjo music, old time games, light refreshments and more. Tickets are $50 per person. For information about sponsorships please go to the Hicksville Gregory Museum’s Facebook page.
The Hicksville Gregory Museum.
town. A dare from a lifelong friend to “join the family business” is what paved the way for his career as a Marine. In 1967, right after graduation, Kilbride was deployed at the height of the Vietnam War as a member of the India Company in the 3rd Battalion and the 26th Marine Regiment. Kilbride climbed the ladder, rightfully earning the rank of Corporal and diligently fought as the leader of a rocket section and an explosives expert on major battles. His second tour is where his unit earned the nickname “Walking Dead,” serving with the 9th Marines. In 1969, Jack returned to the United States with a Navy Achievement Medal with Valor and two Purple Hearts. After four short days, he joined the Freeport Police Department, where he contin-
ued to serve and protect for the next 18 years. He also played a vital role in the Freeport PBA. He later worked with former Congressman King, serving as his military congressional aide. He proudly worked with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions, the Marine Corps League, and Law Enforcement Foundation. Friends and family remember John as a loving family man, proud American, and a “gentle giant.” John’s life was tragically cut short on March 22, 2023, by an Agent Orange-related illness, a chemical that was prominently used in attacks during the Vietnam War. Kilbride is survived by his wife, Virginia, his children Michael, Kelly, and Kristin, and his 12 grandchildren.
The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher
A summer of historical exploration PAGE 6 Northwest Civic Assn. holds picnic PAGE 9