The Allentown Lions Club named one of its own, Lion Rob Strovinsky, as the 2026 grand marshal of the annual Memorial Day Parade.
Strovinsky, who moved to the borough in 1994 with his wife, Lisa, has been a member of the Lions Club for more than 30 years. He has been club president twice, first from 2000 to 2002 and then again from 2008 to 2009.
When he joined Lions, he was the youngest member of the charitable organization and had already begun volunteering in the community as a T-ball coach before he had children of his own.
The Lions Parade Committee historically has been extremely selective regarding who receives the honor of parade grand marshal, and this year was no different.
Deeply committed to the betterment of the town, Strovinsky has devoted his life outside of work and raising a family to volunteerism and organizing events to benefit the residents of Allentown Borough, Upper Freehold and other nearby communities.
A partial list of his contributions reveals a life dedicated to helping others. In addition to his leadership in the Allentown Lions Club and coaching, Strovinsky was Allentown Boy Scout commissioner and served three terms as a borough councilman, where he served on many municipal committees and acted as liaison for several commissions.
He is well known for lending a hand to neighbors and helping other organizations with their charitable enterprises.
Memorial Day Parade Chair Steve Stein emphasized how proud the club was to honor Strovinsky as this year’s grand marshal.
“Rob embodies completely the ideals of Lionism,” Stein said. “His dedication to this community for more than 30 years is exceptional and is absolutely deserving of this high honor. Besides taking on the role of club president twice, Rob has served in many other offices within the organization and has been instrumental in chairing beloved events like the Memorial Day Parade, the Harvest Festival Craft Beer Garden Fundraiser, the annual Lions Easter Egg Hunt, to name only a few. His tireless leadership as a borough councilman, as a community organizer, as a Boy Scout leader, and as a champion to improve his community, make Lion Rob Strovinsky the perfect candidate for this year’s grand marshal.”
Strovinsky thanked the Parade Committee and the club members for granting him the honor.
“Lisa and I decided early on that we would be involved in the community,” Strovinsky said. “Allentown is a special place with so many great volunteers it’s almost hard to not find a way to pitch in. I have enjoyed my time as a Lion and in other roles that I have taken on. I have always felt that it is really gratifying and worthwhile to give back if you’re able to. Considering the long, truly impressive list of our previous parade grand marshals, I am both humbled and proud to be the club’s choice this year.”
Lisa and Rob Strovinsky raised their two children, Ben and Ava, who also were involved in serving Allentown and Upper Freehold, on Main Street in the historic borough.
The Allentown Lions Club Memorial Day Parade stepped off from the corner of Allen and Main streets on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m., marched through town over the mill pond bridge and turned left up High Street before finishing at the Allentown-Upper Freehold Elementary School.
The Memorial Day Service for the Gallant Fallen was held at the memorial site in the upper elementary school parking lot immediately following the parade.
