Third generation member Nicholas Molloy celebrated 50 years with the Rotary Club of Doylestown
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Carrying on a 100-year legacy can be a daunting task. But not for Nicholas Molloy. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Molloy became a third-generation member of the Rotary Club of Doylestown in 1967 and hasn’t looked back since. At a recent meeting held at the Doylestown Country Club, Molloy celebrated 50 years as a Rotarian, a time filled with friendship, rewarding experiences and service to the community.
Molloy’s ties to the local Rotary date back to before he was born. His grandfather, J. Carroll Molloy, became a charter member in 1924 and his father, J. Carroll Molloy Jr., eventually joined in 1955. As he grew up watching these two role models positively influence the community, hosting fundraising events and forming lasting bonds with fellow residents, Molloy knew he wanted to continue the family tradition.
“Serving others has always been very important to my family,” he said. “I am both proud and honored to be part of the Rotary International community here in Doylestown and around the world.”
Throughout his years with the organization, Molloy has seen a number of positive changes. Originally, only men were allowed to become members, but this was revoked approximately 20 years ago when the Rotary Club began welcoming women. Also updated was the previous rule that no two members could have the same profession. When Molloy first joined, there could only be one banker, one dentist, etc. The club realized this was severely hurting membership and did away with it soon after.
In addition to these policy changes, Molloy has experienced countless highlights and feel-good moments during his 50 years as a Rotarian. Though it was difficult to choose, he said two memories will always hold a special place in his heart. First was the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon, a Rotary initiative that took place about 40 years ago. In a span of four years during the ’70s, according to Molloy, the club raised $150,000 for the community through this event.
Second, Molloy named the present-day Memorial Day parade during which Rotary members drive local veterans through town in classic convertibles. The route ends at the cemetery, where the veterans can pay their respects to fallen comrades. Thousands of attendees come out each year to salute these heroes as they pass by.
“It’s very heartwarming,” he said.
Over the years, Molloy has proudly served in a number of leadership capacities including president and vice president, and on several committees such as the Special Activities Committee, Public Relations Committee and Four Way Test Committee. He also boasts 33 years of perfect attendance (it would’ve been 50, but attendance became nonmandatory).
Along with his Rotary Club duties, Molloy was involved with the family business, J. Carroll Molloy Realtor, which was started by his grandfather in 1916. His resume also includes serving as past president of the Bucks County Association of Realtors, treasurer of the Doylestown Historical Society and the vice chair of business partners at the James A. Michener Museum.
Now married with two children and four grandchildren, Molloy’s hope is that at least one will follow in his footsteps to carry on the Rotary and Realtor traditions to a fourth generation. Only time will tell, but one grandson is already planning to study business next year at college.
Both of Molloy’s children, two grandsons, his wife and daughter-in-law were present at the meeting to help him celebrate this major milestone. Also in attendance were a number of his fellow Rotary Club members, including president Allen Childs.
“Nick sought to serve his community and the world when he joined Rotary in 1967,” Childs said. “He looked beyond himself for the purpose and an opportunity to serve, just as all Rotarians do. We are honored to have Nick in our club and congratulate him on his 50th Rotary anniversary.”
The Rotary Club of Doylestown meets on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Coach’s Steak & Hoagie House, 44 E. State St., and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Doylestown Country Club, 20 Country Lane. Members of the community are invited to attend either meeting to learn more. For more information, visit doylestownrotary.org. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
