The 2025 Dignitaries

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Eric Moore was born in Dublin and grew up in the coastal town of Balbriggan, nestled between the Irish sea and countryside of North County Dublin. Eric is the youngest of five siblings to his parents Michael and Patricia. Eric was an accomplished soccer player in his youth, having played locally with Glebe North FC, a successful youth team, and went on to play for Shelbourne FC, one of Ireland’s few professional soccer clubs, and a team dear to his family's heart. Eric's athletic prowess led him to the U.S. in 2003 to play Division II college soccer at Felician University here in Rutherford NJ. It was an opportunity that would change the course of his life and afford him opportunities he believes he might never have had in Ireland.

There, he excelled academically and professionally, securing a position at the Bank of New York (BNY) upon graduation. Over the past 17 years Eric has built a successful career at BNY, including a three-year assignment in London, and has made significant contributions to the company and was honored by the bank with the BNY Star Award which is highest recognition the bank can give to an employee across its global workforce.

Eric has also made notable contributions to the Irish community in NY/NJ. He has held leadership roles in organisation’s such as Chairman of the Irish Network of NYC, served on the Concern Worldwide New York Winter Ball Committee, and he was a founding trustee and the first President of the Rutherford Irish American Association.

In 2016, he was fortunate enough to meet his now wife Vania, in Hoboken. The two were blessed to be married in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and moved to Rutherford in 2021.

Eric is a proud husband, brother, son and uncle to many nephews and nieces across Ireland, England and California, and is looking forward to celebrating the Rutherford Irish festivities with his beloved wife Vania, family and friends both locally, and visiting from the Emerald Isle. Eric credits his success to his parents' influence and his wife’s love and support. Eric feels privileged to be named as the 2025 Grand Marshal and is very thankful to be honoured alongside this year’s fellow dignitaries!

 Brian Bruton was born and raised in Rutherford, New Jersey, and is a proud dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, a heritage passed down through his parent’s Irish lineage. His father, Tony Bruton, born and raised in County Meath, emmigrated to the United States in 1963, where he met and married Rosemarie Rogers, whose family hails from County Cavan.

Brian attended high school at Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, an institution renowned for academics and service to the community. This lead Brian into an esteemed career in law enforcement, where he dedicated himself to serve the community. His career began as a police detective with the New York County District Attorney’s Office, where he developed a strong foundation in criminal investigations. He eventually then came back across the river to the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, responsible for varied, complex investigative groups. Awarded and recognized for his professional leadership, he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief of Detectives. He recently retired, concluding a distinguished career of honor, integrity and service, spanning over 27 years. Brian continues to contribute to public safety, serving in a civilian role with the New Jersey State Police.

Beyond his professional career, Brian is a long-standing bagpiper with the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County, demonstrating his commitment to both his Irish heritage and community. He is always at the ready to share his musical talents, as he often plays at parades, events, funerals, weddings and retirements.

After all is said and done, Brian is most proud of his role as devoted father to his two children, Jack and Kelly, fully reinforcing the need to protect and serve his community. His life is deeply influenced by his family’s Irish heritage, Roman Catholic beliefs, traditions of service, and honoring the legacy established by his parents.

It should be noted that he will be following in his father’s footsteps, as Tony Bruton was the Deputy Grand Marshal at the inaugural 2018 Rutherford Irish American Association Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

George McDermott of North Arlington, NJ, has dedicated his life to selfless service and community engagement. Adopted by the McDermott family, his journey of giving back began at Queen of Peace High School, where he demonstrated acts of kindness through the school's charitable group, SIGN.

George's commitment to helping others led him to join the North Arlington Volunteer Emergency Squad (NAVES), where during his 34 years of service he has saved 25 lives through CPR and earned accolades as EMT of the Year. Additionally, George has served as both a Dispatcher for the North Arlington Police Department for 25 yrs and a Fire Fighter for 23 yrs, even receiving recognition as Fire Fighter of the Year for his exceptional service during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

A believer in faith-driven service, George is an active 4th degree Knight with Queen of Peace Council #3428 and Monsignor Peter B. O'Connor Assembly #1543. His dedication extends to public service roles, where he serves on the North Arlington Board of Education, North Arlington Board of Health and the Board of Directors of the New Jersey State Organization for Cystic Fibrosis, while also volunteering for causes like aiding 9/11 recovery operations and supporting survivors of domestic violence.

As a champion for the Special Needs Community with Access for All, George's compassionate nature shines through his commitment to assisting seniors and his proud family that includes his wife Angelique and their children Cheyenne, Brianna, Taylor, Dean and Lauren. George's inspiring journey showcases the impact of kindness and generosity, proving that a challenging beginning can lead to a lifetime of positive influence.

Jim was born in Staten Island, New York, to a loving Irish family, and raised in Jersey City, NJ with his two brothers, Matt and Tom. Jim’s ancestry DNA indicates he’s 100% Irish. His paternal grandparents arrived in America in the 1890s and his maternal great grandparents arrived in America in the 1860s. Jim’s ancestors are from County Roscommon, Mayo and Laois. 

Jim worked for the Jersey City Water department for 42 years, retiring in 2019. He raised two wonderful children, Jim and Leanne. He enjoys visiting Irish pubs, listening to Irish music, fishing and watching Notre Dame, Giants, Mets and Jersey Devil sports games. He married the love of his life, Mary, in 2014. They currently live in Little Falls, NJ.

Mary was born in Philadelphia, PA , to a Irish/Scottish/German family. Her ancestry DNA results indicate she is 15% Irish and 20% Scottish with a mix of other European countries. Her Irish great grandparents arrived from Ireland (County Donegal/County Tyrone) to America in the 1880s, met in Philadelphia and married in 1893. Her mother, maternal grandmother and great- grandmother considered themselves Irish and that is how she was raised. 

Mary spent her childhood in Bucks County, PA, with 11 siblings, attended Catholic grade school and graduated from the local public high school. She worked at AT&T for 43 years, retiring in 2021. She is the proud mother of two sons, Jared and Dante, and has a granddaughter and grandson. She enjoys hanging out with her Jimmy, working in the garden and puttering around the house.

Both Jim & Mary have volunteered as parade adjutants and love being members of the Rutherford Irish American Association and greatly appreciate this recognition. GO IRISH!!!