Grand Marshal

Richard was born in the Greendale / Burncoat area of Worcester. He is the son of Harold and Catherine Smalley, and was raised in a family of 9 children. Richard attended Thorndike Road school for K-6, and attended Worcester Academy Gr. 7-12, graduating in 1977. He attended Nichols College in Dudley, and North Wood Institute in Midland, Michigan.

Richard worked in his family’s business, Smalley Toyota, for many years. He then ventured off on his own, starting numerous successful full-service gasoline and repair stations in Worcester, while simultaneously starting a single-truck towing company, Smalley’s Green and White Towing. Through Richard’s entrepreneurial efforts, Green and White quickly grew to become one of the largest and most successful tow companies in Massachusetts and New England. Richard currently owns Smalley Auto, D/B/A Fortune Auto Transport – another successful business in automobile transportation, specializing in automobile dealership and auction transporting. 

Richard is involved in many causes to support the veterans community, at both the local and the state level. He is one of the founders of the Vernon Hill Sons of the American Legion, where he served as its first Commander. He also served as the State of Massachusetts Detachment Sergeant of Arms. He worked as the Sons of the American Legion Ways and Means Chairman for many years, and still serves as their Chaplain. Richard spends much of his time volunteering at the Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435. Currently, he serves as the Post’s Grounds and Housing Chairman, as well as the Hall and Lounge Manager. Three years ago, he was instrumental in forming the Vernon Hill American Legion Riders Chapter 435, serving as Assistant Director, and is currently the Riders’ Director. One of their key fundraising events is the Lego Ride for Kids with Cancer, which benefits the UMass Children’s Cancer Unit, Why Me & Sherry’s House, and Notre Dame Healthcare’s Pedi Pals. 

For over 40 years, Richard has dedicated himself to the success of the annual Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade. This includes years when he provided emergency towing services to the parade. Today, he continues with an active role in managing operations and configuring the parade line-up. He has served in a variety of positions, receiving multiple accolades from the Parade Committee for his commitment to the Irish-American community, including the Good Neighbor Award and the Judy Wilkinson Award.