The Society of the Friendly Sons

of Saint Patrick of Hudson County

 

 

2008 Irishman of the Year

Bill Gaughan

 

Diner Dance - Past Honorees - Tickets -  Journal Ads - Mass

 

Councilman Gaughan was born in Wiikes-Barre, PA. on February 11, 1938 to Anthony James Gaughan of Gladree, Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland and Bridget Kennedy Gaughan of Cross, Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland.  He married Bernadette Krull  on January 11, 1969 and they are the parents of two girls, Bridget and Eileen.

 

He attended St. Mary's High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Rutgers-The State University in Newark, New Jersey where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.  He also attended the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service.

 

Prior to becoming a councilman, he worked as Pipefitter and Assistant Supervisor at Western Electric Company, Kearny, NJ, before pursuing his current profession, working as an Apprentice Funeral Director for the Beddiges-Seitz Home for Funerals, Jersey City, NJ and the Houghton Funeral Home, Jersey City, NJ, where he is now President and Funeral Director.

 

First elected to the City Council in 1993, he is now serving his fourth term as Ward D Councilman and also serves as Chief of Staff to Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise.

Among his many community activities:

  • 1976-1979 President of St. Anne's Parish Council

  • 1979-1985 Secretary and Treasurer of St. Anne's Home School Association

  • 1978-1979 Vice President Hudson County Federation of Holy Name Societies

  • 19S3-1992 President of the St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Anne's Church

  • 1987-1988 Zone Chairman Zone 1 Lions International District 16A

  • 1988-1989 Deputy District Governor Region 1 Lions International District 16A

  • 1987-1990 President Holy Name Society

  • 1990-1993 President Hudson Hospice Inc. Board of Directors

  • 1992-1993 Vice President Board of Directors Central Avenue Special Improvement District Management Corp.

  • 1993-1997 Councilman - Jersey City Municipal Council

  • 1997-2001 Re-elected Second four year term as Councilman -Jersey City Municipal Council

  • 2001-2005 Re-elected Third four year term as Counci/man- Jersey City Municipal Council

  • 2005-2009 Re-elected Fourth four year term as Councilman- Jersey City Municipal Council

  • 2002-2007 Chairman, New Jersey City Democratic Committee

  • Chief of Staff to Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise

Among the awards the councilman has received:

  • Lion of the Year 1977 and 1984

  • Heights Pride Citizen of the Year 1988

  • Jersey City Irishman of the Year 1991

  • Melvin Jones Fellow 1991 Lions Club International (Highest award in Lionism)

  • Hudson Hospice Inc. Award 1992
     

Special Projects
Parking issues
Affordable housing
Lower taxes
Initiatives against crime
New North District Police station
Improvement of all City and County parks

 

 

 

Recent Past Honorees

 

2007 Irishman of the Year Peter Brennan

 

2006 Irishman of the Year  Robert F. Cavanaugh Sr.

 

2005 Irishman of the Year  Mike Ryan  

 

2004 Irishman of the Year Thomas Norton 

  

2003 Irishman of the Year  Vince McHale, Sr.