Long-Time Volunteer Battling Cancer Named Grand Marshall of Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade

Caption: Longtime Plainfield resident Dan Cassidy has been named Grand Marshall of the 2015 Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade.

Throughout the years as residents have enjoyed the Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade one of its most enthusiastic volunteers has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the parade goes off without a hitch.

On Sunday, instead of lining up the floats and bands, longtime Plainfield resident Dan Cassidy will serve as Grand Marshall of 2015 edition.

Dan has played an important role in every parade the Village Preservation Association has hosted. He has worked hard to make each parade better than the last.

Due to a health setback -- Dan has been diagnosed with cancer -- the parade committee decided to honor and recognize Dan this year by naming him grand marshall to thank him for all the hours he has donated to make the parade happen.

Since moving to Plainfield, Dan has been involved in many activities as if he has lived here all his life. He has worked with the Village Preservation Association and all the projects they have been Involved with.

Dan served as president for four years on the VPA. He has coached and been a commissioner with Plainfield Junior Cats football league for the last ten years. Dan has also coached girls and boys soccer in Plainfield for several years.

Dan has had to take break from his many charitable endeavors and all the work involved in Hometown Irish parade after being diagnosed this fall with stage 4 cancer. He is reserving his energy to fight the battle that lies ahead.

We wish Dan the best of luck and will miss his spirit and hard work in making Plainfield a better place to live, work and raise a family as fights off cancer.

We’re confident that Dan will be back next year to assume his usual role behind the scenes working on the parade.

So when you see Dan driving by in that open convertible next Sunday, wave, give your biggest smile and say a prayer for one of the guys that makes it all happen.

Check out the Village Preservation Association’s lineup of activities for the 13th annual Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade.