PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William P. "Bill" Sturgeon is the latest honoree chosen by the Pittsfield Parade Committee to be the grand marshal of the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade.

 

He joins a list of  local people to be so honored including retired city police and fire chiefs Michael Wynn and Robert Czerwinski, respectively, as well as Julianne Boyd, the artistic director for Barrington Stage Company.

 

"I'm blown away," Sturgeon said when asked about his reaction to his selection. There are so many deserving people," he said, adding, "It's such an honor. It's the one non-family event I missed the most when I was in the Army." 

 

Sturgeon served a tour with the 101st Airborne Airmobile in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal before his 1971 discharge. 

 

His career in criminal justice has spanned more than 45 years locally and with the U.S. Department of Justice. Sturgeon also had assignments with foreign governments including South Africa, the United Kingdon, Haiti, the Netherlands, and the Philippines.

 

Sturgeon co-authored two books with the late Barry Glick, Ph.D., "No Time to Play" and "Recess is Over." In 2023 he co-authored with Francesca Spina, Ph.D., "Think Like a Terrorist to Combat Terrorism" and "Radicalization in Prison."  

 

Sturgeon has a bachelor of science and master of arts degrees in criminal justice administration and has worked for the Pittsfield and Lanesborough Police Departments.

 

Sturgeon is married to the former Rose Ann Marcinczyk. They have been married 53 years and have one son, Patrick, and their daughter-in-law, Tina. They have a 19-month-old grandson, William, and another grandchild on the way.

 

The 77-year-old stays active in the community hosting WTBR's "Morning Drive," serving on Pittsfield Community Television's board of directors and WTBR's Community Advisory Board. Previously, Sturgeon served on the Advisory Board for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. He also served on the board of the Berkshire County Historical Society and hosted a radio show at United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts' radio station WRRS. He is active on issues involving veterans, the elderly and the handicapped.

 

Earlier this year Sturgeon was named Irish Person of the Year 2024 by the Irish American Club of Berkshire County.  Prior to the Parade Committee's unanimous vote for Sturgeon as grand marshal co-coordinator for this year's parade, Rebecca Brien said, "He really checks all the boxes for this."

 

Asked how he wants to prepare for his day of march, Sturgeon said he wanted to visit the Shrine of the Blessed Mother in New Lebanon, N.Y.,  where he will light a candle to honor all Vietnam veterans, living and deceased.