Naughton Civic Square to be Dedicated on Saturday

The public is invited to the dedication of the Robert E. Naughton Civic Square on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Causeway Street and Claypit Road, just steps from the Naughton home.

Naughton was an active volunteer in the Medfield community, was very involved with the youth in town, and served the citizens of Medfield as a police officer, detective and prosecutor for over 30 years before his untimely death in 2002.

Earlier this year, annual town meeting unanimously agreed to name this intersection in Naughton's memory.  Click here to read Richard DeSorgher's speech at town meeting asking for the $2,000 necessary for the project.

Saturday's dedication ceremony will begin with a welcome from DeSorgher, Chairman of the Committee to Study Memorials, and the singing of National Anthem by Medfield High School students Brianna and Cara Daybre.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Proclamation of Honor will be presented by State Representative Denise Garlick, then Medfield's Veteran Agent Ron Griffin will present the Naughton family with a United States flag that was flown over the United States Capitol.

Speakers at the dedication will be Bill Mann, Mike Sullivan, Tracy Mitchell and Naughton's son Todd Ferris. The Naughton family will conclude the ceremony with the unveiling of the Naughton Square sign and memorial bench. 

The pine trees that Naughton himself planted will serve as the backdrop for the memorial that Eagle Scout candidate Peter Whelan has helped plan and design. 

A reception and light luncheon will follow at The Center of Medfield on Ice House Road to which everyone is invited.

The plaque on the Naughton Square reads: 

Robert E. Naughton Civic Square

Bob Naughton and his family lived across the street from this Civic Square. He joined the Medfield Police Force in 1970, was promoted to detective in 1988 and was named the department’s prosecutor in 1990.

His sense of humor, that notorious twinkle in his eye and his positive attitude were all qualities of someone who was just a good and decent man.  

In 1991 he stopped would-be bank robbers, fired three shots and forced them to drop their weapons and surrender.  Because of his act of bravery he received the George L. Hanna Award, the state's highest award for bravery.

As an officer Bob was especially dedicated to and involved in the lives of our teens, particularly those who were often in trouble. Bob was also very active volunteering in the community.

Bob died in 2002, doing what he loved, enjoying the outdoors while kayaking in Maine.  His death was a great shock to the town.  In 2012, Town Meeting unanimously voted to dedicate this square in his honor.