Parade Honorees Installed

By Katie McFadden

We’re a little more than three weeks away from the 51st Annual Rockaway Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, and as we gear up for the celebration, this year’s honorees enjoyed a bit of craic as they were installed at the annual parade gala at Antun’s on Saturday, February 7.

The honorees were joined by friends, family and their organizations for the annual dinner/dance for the parade honorees. Notably missing this year was the Mayor of New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and NYS Attorney General Tish James, who both traditionally stop by the event to make a speech.

This year’s big honorees include Grand Marshal Michele Cusack, the CFO of Northwell Health, Honorary Grand Marshal John Norbury, President of Construction & General Building Laborers’ Local 79 and Gael of the Year Dennis Schock, President of the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 831.This year’s Deputy Grand Marshals include Chris Scharbach, Fr. Brendan Fitzgerald, Dr. Judy McLaughlin, Peter McMahon, Casey Anne Brouder, Anne Forde, David Stimus, Patrick Donlin, Joseph Ronda, Mary Beth Bertolini, John Schilling, Jay Burke, Owen Loof and Alice Edwards.

The Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m. It kicks off from Beach 130th Street and Newport Avenue.

Photos by SFDS, Ray Otton, LAOH and Julanne Keller.