This year the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is honored to have chosen Sean M. Lovely Sr. as the Grand Marshal of the 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade.

Sean Lovely resides in Auburn with his lovely wife Kristen (Bartolomei) and their four children: Molly (17), Sean (15), Emma (12), and Stella (7).

Born and raised in the Webster Square area of Worcester, Sean attended both St. Peter’s Parish and Our Lady of the Angels Parish. A graduate of South High School, he served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division from 1989-1993 and is a highly decorated veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Sean served in combat both as a rifleman and M-60 Machine Gunner. He received numerous awards including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars, and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia).

After distinguishing service to his country, Sean Lovely obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Webster New England College. He became a Worcester Police Officer in 1994. Officer Lovely’s assignment these past three years has been with the department’s Neighborhood Response Team, a complimentary fit for Sean’s concern for helping others.

Sean’s civic minded activities included the following: Member of the 82nd Airborne Association and the Worcester Police Department Honor Guard, Charter member and past first president of the Greater Worcester Police Emerald Society, board member for both Oak Hill CDC and Central Ma. Korean War Memorial.

A bagpiper for the Police Pipes & Drums of Worcester, Officer Lovely plays at veteran related ceremonies, including Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. Sean was the organizer for the 2017 Veteran’s Day Parade in the City of Worcester.

Officer Lovely’s efforts over the years have garnered him these awards: 2018 Distinguished Catholic Layperson Award, 2018 Armed Forces Committee of Worcester County Award of Merit, 2016 Worcester Public Schools Thomas Jefferson Award, 2014 City of Worcester Eleanor Riik Service Excellence Award, 2014 Marine Corps League Distinguished Citizen Award, 2013 Worcester Veterans Council Veteran of the Year Award, 2004 Worcester Regional Research Bureau Thomas S. Green Public Service Award, Charles Rosenbusch Memorial Community Service Award presented by the Vietnam Veterans for the Community. These honors are a fitting tribute to a man who sees that 1000 U.S. flags are placed on veteran’s graves for Memorial Day.

There are many memorials to WW1 veterans throughout Worcester’s intersections, and Sean organizes a tribute to them on their 100th anniversary. His more recent honor was for U.S. Private F. Brosnihan who was killed in battle at Meuse-Argonne, France in WW1. That memorial stands at the intersection of Harding St. and Millbury St.

After many years of collecting and documenting data for the 237 granite veteran memorials throughout the city, Officer Lovely worked tirelessly to create a free website titled “City of Worcester Veteran Squares Project”. It can be found at WWW.WORCUS.ORG.

Sean’s expansive heart extends beyond his commitments to his fellow veterans. Through his volunteer service at St. Francis Xavier Center and Soup Kitchen at St. John’s Parish, he has forged strong relationships in helping the homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill people, as well as families struggling financially. Many have benefitted from Officer Lovely’s kindness. To quote his supportive wife Kristen, “Sean doesn’t judge people for their hardships or setbacks. He feels a need to help others and looks for ways to positively impact their lives”. He is a devoted husband and father who has taught his children the importance of helping others and honoring our service men and women.

Sean’s love for all children shines through. This October 31st he organized his 4th annual “Union HILL-O-WEEN” event at 191 Providence St. His great team of volunteers provided candy, face painting and activities for over three thousand happy children. He is truly a humble man with a heart of gold and a wonderful example to everyone.

Officer Sean Lovely continuously strives to make a difference in his community and in the lives of individuals. His varied, tireless efforts and energetic determination have succeeded in making the City of Worcester a better place in which to live. Our Committee is pleased to honor Officer Lovely as our 2019 Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal.