Bridgeport Business Owner Earns O'Keefe Award with Fellow Native

Two Bridgeport natives named Elizabeth were honored by the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee. Liz Gilbert DeFeo and Elizabeth Power were announced as the the recipients of this prestigious award, the Robert F. and Maureen T. O'Keefe Volunter of the Year Award at a recent reception. The awards were presented by 2018 Grand Marshals Dave and Ann Marie Curtin, also of Fairfield, at the Grand Marshal's Ball honoring 2019 Grand Marshal Peter F. Carroll. They also received citations from US Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Liz Gilbert DeFeo is the creative director and owner of Rudy's Flower Shoppe in Bridgeport. She has volunteered for the parade for several years and recently was appointed Financial Secretary. She is married to Lou DeFeo and has a daughter Olivia, who also volunteers for the Committee. Liz donates countless hours to make all the decor at the parade events look magnificent from floral centerpieces to raffle prizes. Liz volunteers for many other groups including St. Vincent's Foundation/Swim Across the Sound and Lauralton Hall in Milford.

Elizabeth Power is a retired schoolteacher from the Fairfield public school system. A parade volunteer for over a decade, Elizabeth previously served as the Committee's Treasurer and Financial Secretary. She has held many posts including chairing the following: Journal Committee, Breakfast and Lunch Committees, Grand Marshal's Gala, Picnic and Holiday Social. She is a member of the NEA, CEA and has been the REF Treasurer for 14 years. She has two children and three grandchildren and has volunteered for other groups like Mercy Learning Center.

Dignitaries attending the awards ceremony included Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau, Fairfield State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Senators Marilyn Moore and Dennis Bradley, Stratford State Rep. Joe Gresko, and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti among many others.

For more information about the parade visit, http://stpatricksdaybridgeport...