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Bob Creighton makes it easy for visitors to find his house, especially in the month of March. “Look for the flagpole with the American and Irish flags.” The two flags are quite revealing about the Grand Marshal for the 2015 Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He has proudly served the American people, and he is proud of his Irish heritage. Yet, when one enters the Creighton home, a visitor truly understands another facet of Bob, as generations of family photographs adorn the house. It is obvious that Bob places his family above all else.

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Robert J. Creighton was born in Washington Heights, in the Inwood Section of New York City, one of seven children born to Elizabeth (Spellman), from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland, and Edward (Creighton), from the West Side of Manhattan, whose roots are found in County Louth, Ireland. After his graduation from the LaSalle Academy, in Manhattan, Bob served for three years in the United States Navy, honorably discharged in 1958. The year would be most memorable, as Bob settled in Kings Park, where he met his future wife, Geraldine Donnelly, on a blind date. They married the following year, in St. Joseph’s Church, and have lived in Kings Park ever since.

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Bob enjoys spending his time with his five children and nine grandchildren. His son Bob and his wife, Cathy Mallarkey Creighton, live in Smithtown, with their three sons: Robert, John and Thomas. His daughter Denise resides in Kings Park, with her son living in Astoria. His daughter Deirdre and her husband, Kevin Slatterly, live in Smithtown, with their three sons: Kevin, Ryan and Patrick. His daughter Erin lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His daughter Kerry lives in Parsippany, New Jersey, with her children Marc and Deirdre. According to Denise Creighton, “Bob loves nothing more than getting all the family together in Kings Park!”

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Bob Creighton enjoys working. His impressive career began at the United States Post Office, in Kings Park, where he worked until he was appointed to the newly-formed Suffolk County Police Department. Bob entered its first class, in 1961. During a seven year span, he would earn degrees from SUNY @ Farmingdale, City University of New York, SUNY @ Stony Brook, and the FBI Academy. After twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, Bob held a number of jobs: including Suffolk County Police Commissioner and Chief Investigator for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. In addition, he has been an Adjunct Professor for 22 years, and was elected Smithtown Town Councilman, in 2007. Throughout his career, his Irish ancestry and pride in Kings Park have remained important.

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Bob’s service to the community is evident in many ways. He is a Trustee for St. Joseph’s Parish; Member to Knights of Columbus, and Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In 2013, Bob was selected as an Aide to the Grand Marshall for the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Members of the AOH/LAOH will never forget seeing his smiling face, as Bob proudly waved to the marchers, despite the swirling snowfall. The Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is proud to honor Bob Creighton: American, Irishman, Kings Parker, and Family Man.