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Mayor Paul Coogan, Rep. Alan Silvia and city leaders honor George Robel with Fall River Icon Award
Summary
Fall River on March 30, 2026, presented George Robel with the inaugural Fall River Icon Award for his Vietnam service and decades of counseling and educational work; city and state representatives, family and former colleagues attended and Robel gave brief remarks.
Mayor Paul Coogan presented the inaugural Fall River Icon Award to George Robel on March 30, praising Robel’s decades of service to veterans, students and the wider community. "The phrase actions speak louder than words originated in the 17th century," Coogan said as he read a prepared citation recounting Robel’s military decorations and long career in counseling and education.
The mayor’s statement said Robel served in Vietnam and was awarded "two bronze service stars and a bronze service medal," led the Stevens Home in Swansea for 22 years, opened a family counseling practice (often providing services at no cost), and later served as director of guidance at Bishop Stang High School. Coogan also noted Robel’s long involvement with Michael’s Fund for Childhood Cancer; speakers at the event cited roughly 25 years of service to that organization.
A staff member from the office of State Rep. Carole Fiola read a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives congratulating Robel on receiving the award. The citation, dated March 30, 2026 and read on behalf of the delegation, praised Robel’s "invaluable contributions to the Fall River community" and was described as signed by the Speaker and members of the delegation. Rep. Alan Silvia offered brief remarks thanking Robel for his service.
City Council member Michael Canney also conveyed the council’s appreciation "on behalf of the Fall River City Council," and event organizers credited Lou Ledoux of Axis Bats with helping to start the Icon Award series.
Family members and longtime colleagues spoke about Robel’s influence as a counselor and educator. An assistant and Kathy Riggitano, representing Bishop Stang High School, said Robel touched the lives of students and faculty and recounted how his guidance shaped their careers. Organizers presented Robel with a Quilt of Honor from a Rhode Island veterans chapter in recognition of his military service.
Robel, who attends Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston in a continuing role, thanked attendees and reflected on the surprise of being honored while still active. "No one expects anything like this when they're alive," he said, adding that the recognition is shared with family and the communities he has served. He closed his brief remarks with thanks and a lighthearted, "Go Yankees."
The ceremony concluded with applause and organizers signaling the event’s end; no formal votes or municipal actions were taken at the presentation.
