Bob Dedrick is Ti's Irishman of the Year

TICONDEROGA | The Knights of Columbus Council #333 looks for a certain someone when they select their Irishman of the Year. They want an individual who is involved in Ticonderoga, someone who donates their time and energy and heart into the community (and according to Tom Blanchard, a good sense of humor never hurts). Nobody has fulfilled that list or checked more boxes than Robert Dedrick Sr.; he is the organization's Irishman of the Year for 2023. "I love the community. I love the quality of life, growing up in a small town where you know everyone and everyone knows you is special; people really care here," said Dedrick, retired middle school science teacher and former Town Supervisor being a few of his credentials. And he knows the extent of that caring first-hand; it's what inspired Dedrick's life of community service. When he was 13 years old, Dedrick underwent open heart surgery. A hole in his heart the size of a half dollar was robbing him of life- he couldn't even make it up a flight of stairs. It was 1960, and modern medical advancement was still in its infancy; the experimental surgery was a risk, to say the least. Back then, hundreds of donor pints were required to keep a patient's blood circulating while their chest was opened up. Dedrick's parents, Bob and Anita, put an ad in The Sentinel, hoping against hope people would answer their plea for donations. If Dedrick couldn't undergo surgery, he would have almost zero quality of life. It had to be done. "My mom came and got me one Saturday morning just before the operation and said, come take a ride," Dedrick recalled. "She took me up to Moses Ludington, and there was a line of at least 200 people waiting to donate blood for my surgery." That overwhelming turnout ultimately saved Dedrick's life; it also gave him a new one. And he has never, ever forgotten it. "Mom said, 'The community did this for you.' Ever since, any time someone asks Dedrick to join something or help, he remembers his mother's words and that long hospital line; he won't decline a request for help. Now a very active 75-year-old, Dedrick has been involved in all aspects of the community for over five decades. He has been involved on the school board, the Ti Alumni board, served on Streetfest and Design committees. There's the Hall of Fame Committee, the hospital board, church trustee and Lector of the church, and Parish council at St. Mary's. Let's not fail to mention his active membership status with the K of C, the Kiwanis, his 30 years as a varsity football and basketball coach, coaching and umping with Little League for 25 years, teaching at Ticonderoga Middle School his entire career, two years on the town board and eight as Town Supervisor. Oh, and he also created the well-known Sixth Grade Science Fair (some former students can still recite their speech). Yes, Bob Dedrick and his fully recovered heart have touched many lives, indeed (he also apologizes if anyone slipped through the cracks on that list). "It's been an accumulation of the past 50 years of his service that Bob is this year's Irishman," acknowledged K of C trustee Tom Blanchard, who was part of the committee that bestowed the honor to Dedrick. "He puts so much into the town of Ti and to the youth of Ti." The Irishman of the Year began in 1978 under the Chamber of Commerce. In the late 90s, the K of C took over the event with temporary intentions, but ultimately it remained in their care. Up until 2013, only K of C members were eligible to receive the distinction. In 2014, however, eligibility was opened up to any resident (and having Irish origins as not a requirement). Nominations are done by word of mouth, with at least six names thrown around the ring for consideration this year. "I never wanted to leave this community," reflected Dedrick of the hometown he has impacted. "In college, my intention was always to return home and teach in Ti. I have tremendous memories of growing up in the town of Ticonderoga and I wanted that for my own kids." On Saturday, Mar. 11, the K of C will proudly host the Irishman of the Year Dinner at their St. Patrick's Celebration. Doors will open at 3 p.m., a corned beef dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and an Irish band will be providing the soundtrack to the party. The highlight of the evening will be an hour-long roast, where friends and community members will have their opportunity to speak their truths, poignant memories, and humorous moments about Dedrick. "This is meant to be a fun time," Blanchard said. "It's always a nice night for the community." Tickets are available by calling 518-585-6520. Tickets are also available at the door, being mindful of seating capacity. Reservations are recommended.

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Bob Dedrick is Ti's Irishman of the Year

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