Hempstead honors Vietnam veteran and Freeport police officer Jack Kilbride with street renaming

On Aug. 10 in Levittown, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll held a street renaming ceremony to honor the memory of John “Jack” Kilbride, a decorated Vietnam War Veteran and Freeport Police Officer, who passed away from an Agent Orange-related illness just last year.

Town officials were joined by Kilbride’s family and friends, members of the Marine Corp., and local neighbors as they dedicated Jack Kilbride USMC Way at the intersection of Blue Spruce Road and Oaktree Lane in Levittown.

According to Clavin, Kilbride left a lasting impression on his home community of Levittown. Thanks to the rededication ceremony, Clavin says Kilbride’s legacy will continue to live on.

“For generations to come, residents will learn the about the Corporal who guided soldiers through combat, the police officer who advocated for veterans, and the caring man who did anything and everything for his family,” Clavin said.

Kilbride was born and raised in Levittown. A dare from a lifelong friend to “join the family business” is what paved the way for his career as a Marine. In 1967, right after graduation, Kilbride was deployed at the height of the Vietnam War as a member of the India Company in the 3rd Battalion and the 26th Marine Regiment. Throughout his time in the military, Kilbride earned the rank of Corporal and fought as the leader of a rocket section and an explosives expert in major battles. His second tour is where his unit earned the nickname “Walking Dead,” serving with the 9th Marines.

In 1969, Kilbride returned to the United States with a Navy Achievement Medal with Valor and two Purple Hearts. After four days, he joined the Freeport Police Department, where he continued to serve and protect for the next 18 years. He also played a role in the Freeport PBA.

He later worked with former Congressman Peter King, serving as his military congressional aide. He worked with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions, the Marine Corps League, and Law Enforcement Foundation.

Friends and family said they remember Kilbride as a loving family man, proud American, and a “gentle giant.” Kilbrides’s life was cut short on March 22, 2023, by an Agent Orange-related illness, a chemical that was prominently used in attacks during the Vietnam War. Kilbride is survived by his wife, Virginia, his children Michael, Kelly, and Kristin, and his 12 grandchildren.

During the ceremony, the Town of Hempstead thanked the East Meadow Fire Departments for providing a flag arch, the Levittown VFW Post 9592 Color Guard unit, singer Christopher Macchio, and Rev. Eric Mallette of the Greater Second Baptist Church.

“It is an honor to be a part of a ceremony where we can immortalize a true American hero,” Clavin said. “On behalf of the nearly 800,000 residents of America’s largest township, we vow to never forget Jack Kilbride and his service to our country. We are proud have his legacy live on Blue Spruce Road in his memory.”