PLAINS TWP. — Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick President Terry McMahon recently announced that Gene Philbin, of West Avoca, will serve as Grand Marshall for the 103rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Banquet March 17 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort on Route 315.
Philbin is a lifelong resident of West Avoca and the son of the late Gerald and Natalie Callahan Philbin. His brother is the late Reverend Gerald Philbin.
Philbin received his early education at St. Mary’s School in Avoca, attended St. John’s High School and graduated from Northeast High School in 1966. He also graduated from Wilkes Barre Business College in 1968.
He was married for 36 years to the late Susan Labaty, of West Pittston, with whom he has two children, Kimberly Philbin-Bilbow, of West Avoca; and Eugene J. Philbin, of Pittston. Grandchildren are Ciarán Patrick Bilbow, 11; Brady Quinn Bilbow, 9; and Reilly Robert Bilbow, 6.
Philbin has been a 43 year member of Local #81 IBEW Scranton and was employed by various contractors, including Frank Doran Electric and several site contractors at Procter & Gamble in Mehoopany. He retired as general foreman in 2011.
He is a member of Queen of the Apostles Parish where he has served as a lector for many years. He is also a current member of the Pastoral Council and Building & Grounds and Hall Committee.
Philbin is also an active member of the Avoca Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Neil McLaughlin Division and is a past Hibernian of the Year award winner.
He continues to serve his community as an active member of the Avoca Crime Watch where he serves as recording secretary.
