On March 5, 2025, Bill Dandreo, a resident of Swampscott, received the Lynn Veterans Council Patriot Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the local veteran community. The annual award honors individuals who have demonstrated a significant commitment to supporting veterans and their families. Dandreo, who operates Dandreo Bros. General Contractors & Masonry in Lynn, has been actively involved in various projects benefiting veterans, including the Jared Raymond Memorial, the Bradley Campus Memorial, and the Richard Fecteau Memorial.
The award ceremony took place in the office of Mayor Jared Nicholson, where Dandreo expressed his gratitude upon receiving the honor. “It is my honor to be involved with veterans. I’m happy they allow me. I’m not a veteran myself, but it’s a way of giving back. I’m very passionate about doing everything I can for them,” he stated. Dandreo admitted that he was surprised by the recognition but deeply appreciative of the acknowledgement.
Community Support and Recognition
During the event, both Mayor Nicholson and Ward 1 Councilor Pete Meaney presented additional citations from the city council in honor of Dandreo’s efforts. Nicholson highlighted Dandreo’s tangible impact on veterans and local memorials, stating, “You can physically see a manifestation of your hard work and support for the veterans and the memorials around the city. We appreciate that dedication, the quality of the work, and the values that stand behind it.”
Meaney, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a board member of the Veterans Council, echoed these sentiments, calling the award “well deserved” due to Dandreo’s unwavering commitment to serving local veterans.
Charlie Griffin, President of the Veterans Council, elaborated on the reasons behind selecting Dandreo for this year’s award. “He never hesitates to help out, and he always takes on challenges and gets the job done,” Griffin remarked. “He doesn’t just talk the talk; he’s very involved. For many years now, he’s been a driving force in recognizing veterans.” Griffin emphasized the community’s respect for Dandreo’s work, noting, “He doesn’t want any pats on the back, but it’s a big deal to us. He’s done an excellent job, and we wanted to let him know publicly that we appreciate him.”
Enduring Commitment to Veterans
Adding to the accolades, Mike Sweeney, Director of Lynn-Swampscott Veterans’ Services, praised Dandreo’s ongoing dedication to honoring veterans and their families. “He’s been stellar with taking care and honoring veterans and their families since I’ve known him. I couldn’t think of a better, more deserving person for the award,” Sweeney stated.
Dandreo’s involvement with the veteran community underscores a broader commitment to recognizing and supporting those who have served. His active participation in local projects reflects a passionate approach to community service that resonates deeply with residents and veterans alike. As he looks to the future, Dandreo remains hopeful to continue his support for veterans, stating, “I’m very appreciative of everything they’re acknowledging today, and I’m hopeful to continue to help out where I can.”
The Lynn Veterans Council’s recognition of Dandreo serves as a reminder of the vital role community members play in supporting and honoring the sacrifices made by veterans.
