Hubbardston announced inaugural Citizen of the Year recipient: Who was honored?
The Town of Hubbardston recently announced the recipient of its first annual Citizen of the Year award.
During the June 4 Town Meeting, officials honored longtime resident William Shea in recognition of his contributions to enhancing the town’s quality of life through decades of civic engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy.
“This came as a complete surprise, so my first reaction was one of surprise,” Shea said, who said his wife Donna, daughter Kellianne, son Patrick, and his son's wife Nikki, were all in attendance at the event. “So, I was initially surprised and very honored to receive this, very first inaugural award in the presence of family and many Hubbardston residents.”
As a longtime Hubbardston resident, Shea has dedicated countless hours to bettering the town, according to officials.
“Bill Shea exemplifies the spirit of this award through his dedication to our community,” said Select Board Vice Chair Katie Young. “His generosity and commitment to serving Hubbardston are exceptional.”
Shea has served on several boards, including Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee
Shea has served on the Memorial Day Committee, Cultural Council, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee, and more. His support enabled construction of the Vietnam Memorial and the Lions Club pavilion, and funded efforts like the annual Hoe-Down Halloween celebration and Police Christmas fund.
More: This town doesn't have a monument to Vietnam veterans. One group plans to change that
An avid collector of movie memorabilia, Shea and his son have accumulated an impressive number of cars and motorcycles used in classic Hollywood films. Residents have long become accustomed to seeing vehicles like the Jeep used in “Jurassic Park” or the DeLorean used in “Back to the Future” on display at the town’s Movie Nights in the Park or the Hubbardston Halloween Hoe-Down.
“However, my proudest accomplishment is as chairman of the Hubbardston Vietnam Memorial Committee,” Shea said. “We were able to raise enough money to build a fitting tribute to our local Vietnam-era veterans. This was formally dedicated on May 31, 2022.”
Shea noted worldwide as renowned World War II expert
Beyond his civic activities, Shea’s internationally renowned expertise as a World War II historian through his business, The Ruptured Duck, has brought acclaim to the community. He has consulted for museums worldwide while locally preserving and displaying historic artifacts.
More: Bill Shea of Hubbardston goes 'Back to the Future' with secret project
“From preserving the town’s history to supporting our veterans and first responders, Mr. Shea has left an indelible mark on Hubbardston,” said Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau. “He is most deserving of this recognition.”
Shea said he was honored to be recognized by his neighbors in the community he continues to love.
“I love the fact that it’s still very rural, yet quite accessible to anything and everything a person might need,” he said. “When we moved here in 1973, it was definitely a sleepy town. However, even now with a population nearing 5,000, it still retains an easygoing, friendly, safe environment.”
Shea was presented with a proclamation naming him the 2024 Citizen of the Year. His name will also be permanently displayed on a plaque at Town Hall.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Hubbardston Citizen of the Year helped with Vietnam veterans memorial
