image description
Radio host Bill Sturgeon has been named grand marshal of this year's hosted Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade.

Sturgeon Named Grand Marshal For Pittsfield Parade

Print Story | Email Story
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.

Tags: 4th of July,   grand marshal,   parade,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.
 
The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner. 
 
This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.
 
They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.
 
Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories