Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Inc.
is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit.
The parade committee is made up of volunteers that are active members of the community, working throughout the year to promote Irish heritage and Catholic faith.
2025 Dedication
MICHAEL R. LONG
Michael was born on February 1, 1940, in Richmond Hill, Queens to Michael and Myra (Nuetzel). On May 4, 1963, he married the former Eileen Dougherty. Mike and Eileen were married for 59 years and were blessed with nine children (Michael, Matthew, James, Robert, Christopher, Francis, Eileen and Maureen), 24 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. They were extremely active in their parish of Our Lady of Angels; Mike having also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holy Angels Academy. Mike and Tom, his brother and best friend, also operated Long’s Liquor store in Bay Ridge until 2016.
In 1993, Mike, along with the Bay Ridge division of the AOH and other community minded individuals, brought forth the idea of holding a local St, Patrick’s Parade in Bay Ridge on 5th Avenue. After several months of planning, on March 27, 1994, the first Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Parade was held along 5th Avenue. The following year, Mike was designated as our second Grand Marshal. The Long Family has also been celebrated as our Irish Family of the year in 2018.
Mike served as Chairman of the NYS Conservative Party from 1988-2019. He received several awards for his service to the community, as well as a plethora of honors from various local and state organizations. He was honored numerous times for his dedication to pro-life. In addition to being our 1995 Grand Marshal, Mike was Grand Marshal of the July 4th Knights of Columbus Parade as well as the Grand Marshal of the 145th Kings County Memorial Day Parade. In 2011 he was also selected for the “Irish Pro Deo Et Patria Award” by the NYC Department of Education Emerald Society. Local honors included the Bay Ridge Community Council Civic Award and the Chris Hoban Award. Mike was also a member of the Board of Directors of The Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, Vice Chairman of Fort Hamilton Citizens Action Committee, a member of the American Legion, as well as being a member of Our Lady of Knock Knights of Columbus Council 17580. Mike was the consummate Bay Ridgite being active in numerous local organizations including being Vice Chairman of the 5th Avenue BID and former Vice Chairman of the Dyker Heights Civic Association. Mike also served on the Advisory Board of the Guild for Exceptional Children and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 22.
The Committee is elated and proud that in celebration of our 30th Anniversary, we remember Mike’s endless contributions to our Parade and our community.
2025 HONOREES
GRAND MARSHAL
Deacon Kevin McCormack
Kevin McCormack – or Deacon Mac – is the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, which is responsible for 65 grammar schools. However, his journey into Catholic education and service began at a very young age.
Kevin traces his Irish roots to his grandparents, who hail from Sligo and Mayo. Kevin was born in the Bronx into the parish of Our Lady of Mercy, moving to Valley Stream, into the parish of Blessed Sacrament.
Kevin is a product of Catholic education, having attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School, followed by St. Pius X Prep seminary. Kevin continued his Catholic education, attending Cathedral College Douglaston, where he obtained a Bachelor in English and philosophy. Kevin then went on to Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, where he obtained a Master in Theology, followed by Fordham University, where he obtained a Master of Educational Leadership.
Kevin began his teaching career as a medical replacement in 1985 at Bishop Kearney High School, and upon completion of the Biship Kearney assignment moved on to Xaverian High School, where he became a Theology teacher, moving on to PT administration.
Kevin held many roles at Xaverian – class dean, prefect of the cafeteria, Prefect of Discipline, Ap for Discipline, Campus Minister, AP for guidance, Principal of Genesis, culminating in becoming the principal of the school from 2006-2021. Kevin, working with the President of Xaverian, developed a team that demanded Xaverian focus on Catholic Identity, rigorous academics, coupled with fair discipline, and Xaverian returned to being one of the premier high schools in New York City.
Kevin was an adjunct professor of Theology at Molloy University for over 30 years. He was a co-host, with Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, on 770 am WABC’s Religion on the Line for 12 years, and he continues to offer days of reflection and retreats throughout the metropolitan area.
Kevin was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Rockville Center by Bishop William Murphy in 2002, and has served at Blessed Sacrament in Valley Stream – his grammar school – and presently serves at Our Lady of Peace in Lynbrook.
Kevin is married to his wife Regina for the past 37 years. They met in seminary, where Regina was a Sister of St. Joseph in temporary vows. They left religious service in 1985, and married in 1987. Together they have four children, Lauren, Allie (Jon Dempsey), Kaitlyn and Matthew. They have been blessed with two grandsons, Jackson James and Lorenzo Mac Dempsey.
Kevin is honored to accept the honor of Grand Marshal of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and can’t wait to march down Third Avenue with his fellow honorees.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Michelle Brady
Michelle was born and raised on Staten Island, and is the daughter of Peggy (nee Luby) and Joseph Montalbano. Peggy is 100% Irish, with her firmly planted in County Cork, and Joseph is 100% Italian.
Michelle is the product of Catholic education, having attended St. Teresa’s Grammar School, and then Moore Catholic High School. Michelle went on to attend Pace University, obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, followed by Wagner College, obtaining her Master’s degree in Elementary Education.
Upon graduation from Pace, in 1994 Michelle began her career at Chase Manhattan Bank in the Human Resource Department in various roles, including HR Representative. However, it was in her roles at Chase Manhattan Bank as College Recruiter and Smart Start Internship Program Coordinator where it became clear to Michelle that teaching children was her calling, and back to school she went to become a teacher.
Michelle began her teaching career at the Michael J. Petrides School on Staten Island, teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grades for over 8 years. In 2008, she began a new endeavor of stay-at-home mom to her firstborn, Jack, who was soon made a big brother when Jamie was born.
When the boys began attending St. Patrick’s Elementary School, Michelle’s volunteering at school began, helping out with anything and everything, from lunch duty and various events held at the school, becoming treasurer for one year, vice president for two years, and finally president for 5 years of the Home Academy Association. St. Pat’s became Michelle’s second home, and she loved every minute of it.
Upon the boys’ graduation from elementary school and entry into high school, it was time for Michelle to return to the classroom. She was thrilled to be back in the classroom again at the school she had come to love – St. Patrick’s!
While at Chase, Michelle not only discovered her calling to teach, but she met her husband Goeff – who was shocked to learn the redhead who caught his eye had the last name of Montalbano. Geoff likes to say he solved Michelle’s identity crisis when they married and she became a Brady. A redhead named Brady just made more sense! They married 22 years ago, and chose to make Bay Ridge their home.
Together with Geoff and their boys, Michelle loves to cheer on the Yankees and Nets, travel with friends and family – with Disney World and Southold, NY being favorite destinations – and enjoys cooking just as much as going out to dinner.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Brendan Farley
Brendan was born in Longford, Ireland, to Ellen and Joseph, the second to the youngest of 10 children, and grew up alongside his siblings working on the family farm. Brendan attended Convent of Mercy school.
Jobs were scarce in Ireland at that time, and one of Brendan’s older brothers had traveled to New York City for work, and encouraged Brian to visit and work here for a while . At the age of 19, Brendan moved from Ireland to NY, staying with his uncle in Manhattan.
Upon his arrival in New York, Brendan was terribly homesick, crying for the first three weeks straight. His older brother secured him a construction job in Brooklyn with a friend from Longford. On the 4th of July 1986, his older brother invited Brendan to meet him at a bar called The Soccer Tavern, where he met the bar owner, Colm Reilly. Colm asked Brendan to keep an eye on the bar for an hour while he ran out. Colm didn’t return for 10 hours. The next day Colm hired Brendan as a bartender, and 38 years later he is still there.
Brendan married his first wife, Mary Rose, in 1990 at OLPH. They were blessed with four daughters: Fiona, Kiera, Christin, and Lauren. They are all graduates of Fontbonne Hall Academy. Unfortunately, Mary Rose passed away unexpectedly in 2005, and Brendan was left widowed with four young daughters.
Brendan met Kate, his current wife, at The Soccer Tavern. As Brendan says, “Kate is not only my wife, but one of the best bartenders there!” Kate had a son, Patryk, who just happened to be the same age as Brendan’s youngest daughter, Lauren. Patryk is a graduate of Xavier High School. In 2008 Brendan and Kate merged their families, and traveled to Poland to marry, enabling his family in Ireland and her family from Poland to easily attend the wedding. Brendan and Kate were blessed with the arrival of their son, Aidan, who is currently a senior at Fort Hamilton High School, and the quarterback of the football team.
Brendan has encouraged his children to pursue higher education and obtain college degrees. Fiona is a graduate of the University of Hartford; Kiera is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College; Christin graduated from St. Joseph’s University, followed by Brooklyn College for graduate school; and Lauren is currently a student at The College of Staten Island. Patryk is in the process of joining the United States Navy, and Aidan, a high school senior, is hoping to attend a college with a D1 football team to continue his football career.
After a time, Brendan became the owner of “The Soccer.” He has had a front row seat to the drastic changes that have occurred to the neighborhood, having gone from being primarily Irish, Norwegian and Scandinavian, to nearly completely Chinese. Brendan takes pride in The Soccer being one of the last bars in the neighborhood still standing, but is most proud of having an establishment that makes everyone feel welcome, where people from all different backgrounds can intermingle. Each year The Soccer hosts their annual Chinese New Year party, and all of the Irish patrons join to celebrate. That’s followed by the St. Patrick’s Day party, where all of the Chinese patrols join to celebrate. They have even created a name for themselves, “Chi-rish”!
Brendan and Kate support various community organizations, with a special dedication to organizing and sponsoring and contribute toward every event for the Fort Hamilton Tigers football team, where their son, Aidan, is the quarterback. Brendan is a participant in all events held by Dynamite Youth Center, a nonprofit treatment center for adolescents struggling with substance abuse, and he annually sponsors The Brooklyn Shamrocks Gaelic Football Club, which allowed him to find community once he arrived in New York.
Brendan has been honored to be named “Longford Man of The Year,” and has received Best of Brooklyn Awards.
Brendan loves hiking, and has completed multiple 5Ks, and a half marathon in Spain. But everyone who knows him knows he is a Huge Jets Fan!!!!
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Michele dempsey-soto
Michele Dempsey is the first of three daughters born to Maureen (nee Savage) and Patrick “Paddy” Dempsey, lifelong Bay Ridge residents. Maureen and Paddy raised their girls steeped in Irish tradition, with a devotion to the church, and getting involved and volunteering was just what you did.
Michele attended St. Anselm Grammar School, going on to the High School of Telecommunications, followed by Baruch College and The College of Staten Island. Michele is now an Administrative Assistant at PKF O’Connor, working in the field of accounting.
Michele is the proud mother of three daughters: Christina, a NYC Public School teacher; Gabriella, a senior at Xaverian High School; and Samantha, a freshman at St. Savior High School.
Michele can trace her Irish roots back five generations, with the family migrating to the United States in the mid to late 19th Century from Cork, Roscommon, and Louth. The importance of embracing their Irish heritage was paramount while growing up in the Dempsey household, as no one was a prouder Irishman than Paddy – especially during the High Holy Month.
Starting while she was in high school, Michele began volunteering at St. Anselm, helping at basketball games and coaching softball, moving on to assisting with the Annual Winter Wonderland and Thank You Parties. As Michele’s girls were enrolled at St. Anselm, Michele became more involved and joined the St. Anselm Youth Activities Executive Board, where she served for three years, and the Home School Association, serving as its treasurer for 3 years. Over the years Michele was involved in every aspect of volunteerism at St. Anselm, from being Class Mom, did lunch duty, becoming the “Ice Cream Lady,” running events such as the Bunny Breakfast and the golf outing – all while continuing working with basketball and softball and, of course, Winter Wonderland.
For the past four years, Michele has chaired the Youth Activities Christmas Workshop, which is celebrating its 50th year, and she is honored to have been part of the workshop for the past 15 years as a student volunteer, a parent volunteer, and now as Chair. Michele has also been a member of the Parish Pastoral Council for approximately 20 years.
One of Michele’s favorite things to do is party planning, and for the past ten years she has been the Committee Chair of the St. Anselm’s St. Patrick’s Day Post-Parade Party, held immediately after the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where the celebration of all things Irish continues with music, food and drink. As Michele says, “I love a good theme!”
Michele’s passion is her family – especially her three beautiful daughters – but knows that Paddy is looking down from Heaven and beaming with pride that his daughter is being honored in the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade – the parade that the family would hurry up to 5th Avenue, where the parade first began, to watch.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
James Harkin
James "Seamus" Harkin was born and raised in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Along with his brothers, Brendan & Patrick, he attended St. Ephrem Grammar School and Xaverian HS, graduating in 2006. In 2018, James graduated from St. Francis College with a degree in Philosophy.
In James’ sophomore year of high school, he started working at Paddy’s Meat market, delivering meat to Bay Ridge bars and restaurants. After a short while at Paddy’s, James began working in bars all along 3rd Avenue, including Yellow Hook, Judge and Jury, The Kettle Black and The Wicked Monk. So, if you saw a boy who was too young to be in a bar in the early 2000’s, chances are it was James.
In 2008, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. James spent a large percentage of his enlistment overseas, in Japan and Afghanistan. While deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010, James was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps. Achievement Medal for setting up and maintaining communications between Embedded Training Teams in Helmand province.
In 2014, James joined the ranks of the FDNY, being assigned to the “Can Do “ engine, Engine 201. 201 responded to fires and emergencies in Sunset Park, and James responded to many medical emergencies during the Covid Pandemic.
In 2020, James Transferred to Ladder 114, “Tally Ho!” On April 12, 2022 Ladder 114 responded to a mass shooting in the subway system. For James’ actions he was awarded a Mayoral Proclamation, and May 23, 2022 was declared James Harkin Day! James was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant this past September, and is looking forward to his new role within New York’s Bravest.
James learned the Bagpipes while attending Xaverian High School, attaining the rank Of Pipe Major his senior year, and today he is currently a member of the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Each St. Patrick’s Day, James proudly marches up 5th Avenue with the FDNY Pipes and Drums, and with every step takes pride in his Irish heritage, which stems from Co. Tipperary and Co. Donegal.
James has the loving support of his beautiful wife, Margaret, whom he married in 2017. They were blessed with two wonderful children; Benjamin, born in 2018, and Susie, born in 2020. The Harkins are now parishioners of St. Charles on Staten Island. Go Chargers!
James would like to dedicate his receipt of this high Bay Ridge honor of being selected as a 2025 Deputy Marshal of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade to his amazing mother and Deputy Marshal alum, Catherine Harkin. Catherine raised her sons to embrace their Irish heritage, and it is a major part of who each are today. James and his brothers are ever grateful to their wonderful mother.
James is looking forward to continuing the tradition of marching down 3rd Avenue on the fourth Sunday of March honoring his Bay Ridge Irish roots, his mother Catherine, as well as his Grandma Winnie and Uncle Fred.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Mary Heaney
Mary Margaret Heaney was born in the Bronx to Mary Elizabeth and Robert, but Bay Ridge has been home for over 40 years, presently in the parish of St. Anselm. Mary can trace her strong Irish roots back to her maternal grandmother, Mary Rose (nee Cronin), of Carrickabawn, County Cavan, and grandfather, Patrick, of Ballinamore, County Lietrim.
Mary attended Visitation Academy for grammar school, followed by St. John Villa in Staten Island and Seaford Senior High School in Seaford, NY. Mary then went on to graduate from Adelphi University Nursing School in Garden City.
For 41 years, Mary was employed at Lutheran Medical Center in Sunset Park, which became NYU Brooklyn, where she held many positions, each with increasing responsibility. Mary was last a Navigator in the Emergency Department, previously being Nurse Manager for the Emergency Department, IV Team, Infusion Suite and Hemodialysis, and a medical unit. Mary has played a critical role in the recruitment, training and development of tomorrow's nurse leaders, and was a recipient of the "Maakestad Award" for distinguished nursing leadership.
Mary has a calling to care for and help others. To that end, she has volunteered in community centers for administering vaccines, and she has travelled with a medical mission to Honduras (Tela) and Colombia (Villavicencio) to provide much needed care/surgery to the children in those villages and surrounding towns.
Mary has demonstrated a generous commitment to her community. She participates yearly in the Toys For Tots program in Bay Ridge, among other local charities and charitable events. Mary is a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a civilian member of the NYPD Emerald Society.
Mary loves to travel near and far – especially to “Paradise Peninsula,” where in 2009 she participated in the Rockaway Queens parade – and enjoys the close relationship she shares with her family.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Brian Maguire
Brian Maguire is the second of three children born to Arlene (nee Hayden) and Joseph Maguire. Arlene’s family roots can be traced to Roscommon County, Ireland. She was a parishioner of OLPH in Sunset Park and attended Fontbonne Hall Academy in Bay Ridge. Joseph, born in Glasgow, Scotland, was also a parishioner of OLPH, and St. Michael’s in Sunset Park. Joseph was a V.P. at H. Sand & Company, where he worked for several years on the construction of the World Trade Center. In 1983, Joseph started his own company, and was later joined by his sons, Christopher and Brian. Brian’s sister, Beth, would join the company several years later. With the completion of the Verrazano Bridge, Joe and Arlene opted to raise their family on Staten Island.
Brian attended St. Clare Elementary School, Monsignor Farrell High school, and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ.
An adopted son of Bay Ridge, Brian has worked for Stephen Oliver & Gerry Morris as a manager/server at Chadwick’s Restaurant in Bay Ridge for nearly 28 years. It is at Chadwick’s where he has built long lasting friendships with “the greatest staff ever assembled,” all of which he considers family. Always grateful for the Chadwick’s clientele, and forever grateful to be a part of the best community in NYC, Brian has had a front row seat watching Bay Ridge families be built and grow within the walls of Chadwick’s, from engagements, to bridal showers, baby showers, christenings and graduations. As Brian says, “It never gets too old watching the expressions on kids’ faces as I walk them into the kitchen after dinner and they make their own ice cream Sunday.”
Brian is a well-known staple of the Bay Ridge community, if not a local idol of sorts. “Little John Cassidy” - who isn’t so little anymore - thought enough to mention “Brian from Chadwick’s” in a school paper he had written about his community of Bay Ridge. And Tommy Perone, chef at Brooklyn Roots, where Brian has also worked, commissioned a Bay Ridge Street scene mural that is part of the décor at Roots, with a contains a picture of Brian in front of Chadwick’s.
Brian has been married to his wife and rock, Melanie, for 30 years and share a daughter, Allie, and a son, Danny. They have recently been blessed with the addition of their first grandchild, Ava, thanks to Allie and son-in-law, John.
Brian is truly humbled to be chosen as a Deputy Marshal for the 30th Anniversary the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and wishes to express many to the Parade Committee and all those who have a part in making the Bay Ridge Parade the best day on 3rd Avenue year after year.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Jennifer Potter
Love
Jennifer Potter was born in Bay Ridge Hospital on Ovington Ave on a February night 'way back when' to Madalene and Hugh Potter; who are super parents and educators with a great respect for family and heritage. She and her husband Edward have been married for 27 years. They met while he was a NYC Police Officer on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and one of their first dates took place at the Brooklyn Dodger! They have two beautiful children- Henry, a Junior at Loyola Maryland and Lucy, 7th grade at Genesis. It is very important to Jenn and Ed to foster a love of learning and the belief that when gifted with experience and ability, it is one's duty to give back. The family participates together in charitable events, such as Michelle O'Neill Foundation, Mid- Hudson Valley Camp at Esopus and Faith in the Future.
Friendship
St. Ephrem's Parish was home base for Jenn for family events, school, sacraments and the start of many life-long friendships. It is always great to know a person by their parish! Bishop Kearney and Fordham University were not only places of learning, but added new layers of friendship. Being an only child, friends are jewels to Jenn.
Loyalty
Her grandmother, Patricia Shea (born on St. Patrick's Day), is for sure smiling with pride! With strong ties to their Irish heritage, Jennifer and Edward are grateful for the privilege to be able to visit Co. Mayo, enjoy their family's farm and thatch cottage and be immersed in Ireland's history and culture. These ties have proven strong across the ocean and many years.
Jenn Potter began her career with the Department of Education 32 years ago and is proud of her work as a New York City educator. In 2022, Ms. Potter proudly served as a Grand Marshal of the Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade and was honored as NYC DOE Emerald Society Irish Woman of the Year in 2024. Although she loves to travel, Jenn is a proud Brooklynite (her talk to text speaks Brooklynese) who was raised 6 blocks from P.S. 112, where she has had the privilege of serving as principal for the last 4 years.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Thomas Mohan
Tom Mohan and his siblings (Jerry, Margaret Mary (Meegan), Jeanne (Panella) are second generation Irish Americans on their father's, Frank Mohan (Mowen), side. His grandfather changed the spelling of their name, from Mowen to Mohan, when he arrived so as to sound more American.
Tom was born in 1951 to Frank and Margaret Mohan. His grandparents on his father's side are from the Mowen/Maquire clans from Fermanaghand and on his mother's side the Collins/Cannon clans are from Mayo and the Pugh (Welsh).
Tom is the proud father of Brendan, Mary (Trapasso), and Vincent. Tom is the proud grandfather of Rebecca, Rachel, Keith, Kevin, and Cassidy.
Tom is an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Division 12, and the Knights of Columbus - Thomas Dongan Council 1251. He is dedicated to the charitable work both organizations participate actively undertake.
Tom and his siblings grew up on 61st and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and grammar school.
Tom graduated OLPH in 1965 and attended St. Augustine HS in Park Slope, where he played basketball (Lancers) for three years. Unfortunately, the 1969 HS graduation class was the last class. Tom and his classmates to this day get together a few times a year.
Tom attended St. Francis College for his freshman year before transferring to be part of the first class of male students at St. Joseph's University Brooklyn (formerly St. Joseph's College for Women - Brooklyn). Upon graduating, he was offered a recruiting position at the school. While attending SJU he began a men’s basketball team and in 2015 was inducted into SJU's Athletic Hall of Fame for being on the first male team.
Tom spent 44 years working in the insurance industry with Equitable Life and New York Life, until his retirement in 2018.
Tom was involved in coaching during the 1980s and 1990s at St. Patrick's and Our Lady of Angels parishes’ sports programs. In addition, he was also part of Our Lady of Angels sports board.
Tom is very proud of his family and his Catholic Irish heritage. He wishes to thank his family and friends, along with the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, for this honor. He is humbled to accept this honor and to be among this year’s honorees.
DEPUTY MARSHAL
Lynda Thomson
Lynda Marie Thomson was born in Brooklyn to Angela (DeLeo) and John Thomson, Jr. , and traces her strong Irish roots to Antrim, Ireland. From the age of three, the family resided in Bensonhurst. Linda attended PS 48 and the Lutheran Elementary School, and went on to graduate from New Utrecht High School . Linda then went on to attend St. John’s University, traveling to the Queens campus.
Linda’s work experience began at the age of 18, as a volunteer for the NFL Charities assisting Nicholas Nicolosi in coordinating numerous Super Bowl and Pro Bowl events, which she continued to do until Mr. Nicolosi’s passing in 2022.
It was during the last term of the Koch administration that Lynda began working at City Hall, where she handled the Mayor’s calls. In 1989 Lynda transferred to the FDNY, starting in the Fire Prevention Unit. Fire Commissioner Howard Safir recognized Lynda’s ability to interact with the members of the FDNY and the communities of NYC and quickly pulled her to work in the Bureau of Operations, where she handled various community events and headed the FIRE CAP program. Lynda was a liaison to the community on fire safety throughout the five boroughs, and helped develop programs still in use today by the Department.
Most recently, Lynda has coordinated a partnership with Fort Hamilton Army Base to provide the FDNY with free Training Rooms for CRRD (Certified First Responder Defibrillator) and EPCR (Electronic Prehospital Care Report) training.
When the tragedy of 9/11 occurred, Lynda was tasked with assisting the families with funeral masses and memorial arrangements. She also kept the statistical data on the number of recovered and numbers of missing members for the FDNY.
Our veterans hold a special place in Lynda’s heart, and she has dedicated herself to becoming the go-to person to turn to when needs arise.
Linda lives on Staten Island, with her Shih-Tzu Cookie.
Lynda has assisted the Wounded Warrior Project in their Annual 25-Mile Bike Ride, as well as other local Wounded Warrior events. She has also been instrumental in coordinating various events, such as organizing visits to Walter Reed/Bethesda Medical Center for our veterans.
Lynda tirelessly continues to assist in making sure that our Veterans and Active Military are present and acknowledged at all City events, including the Veteran’s Day Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Thanksgiving Day Parade, 4th of July events, Christmas Toy Drives for soldier’s families, New Year’s Eve events, American Legion events, Annual War Memorial Services, visits to the 9/11 Museum, Honor Flights, as well as milestone birthday celebrations, and countless others. When soldiers visit New York City from all over the United States and abroad throughout the year, Lynda will organize an itinerary to make their visit most memorable.
IRISH FAMILY OF THE YEAR
The Reilly family
The Reillys have been involved in the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade since its conception. Gene planted the seed that started the parade. He saw no reason why there couldn’t be more than one parade in Brooklyn that would keep the Gaelic traditions alive, while supporting the local economy. Gene was quite the visionary, but let’s start at the beginning.
Gene Reilly – the patriarch of the Reilly family – and in many ways the father of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade – was born in Aughnacliff, Columcille Longford, Ireland in 1926. Mary (nee White) Reilly was born in 1928 in the nearby County of Cavan by the lovely lakes of Loch Gowna’s shores, but it took until they were both in the United States for them to meet.
Gene came to the U.S., and stayed with an aunt and uncle on 55th Street in Sunset Park. Margaret came to the U.S., and stayed with an aunt in Manhattan in the 90s on 2nd Avenue. Like many new young Irish immigrants, they met at one of the Irish Dances in NYC, where local lads and lasses would meet and mingle.
Gene and Margaret married and moved into the Parish of OLPH, on their beloved 63rd Street. Gene worked many jobs during that time, the local A&P, Rudd Plastic, and on the buses before they were unionized. Gene also joined the United States Reserves, where he met lifelong friends, and discovered his love of cooking after his stint on kitchen duty.
Margaret worked as an elevator operator for the United Nations during the 1950s, where only the finest of women were selected to bring visiting dignitaries to their destinations, including Russia’s Nikita Khrushchev and Cuba’s Fidel Castro. Margaret later went on to work as a waitress in the Executive Dining Rooms of high end banks in NYC.
Gene’s love of people and cooking led him to the bar and restaurant business, working first at Reilly’s, and Ferris’ on Forth Hamilton Parkway – just across from where Indigo Murphy’s is located today. In 1967, Gene was able to open his own place at the Old Live Eiricksson, which was originally an old fashioned bar owned by Mike McBready. It had a mechanic shop attached to it that Gene envisioned he could turn into a party room. His vision was to have a place where people could meet and greet and celebrate birthdays, christenings, weddings, anniversaries and so much more, including a host of bands with a great music that continues to this day.
Margaret and Gene have six children: Eugene, John, Kathy, Julie, Philip, and Megin. All of the children attended OLPH Grammar School, and all took turns working behind the bar and during parties while continuing pursuing their own careers – careers in education, the military, engineering, animal research, FDNY firefighters, and running the family business.
Gene has left a lasting legacy with the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but the Reilly family has made parade history as well:
Gene is one of the few honorees to hold the distinction of being a Deputy Marshal (1994) and a Co-Grand Marshal (1998).
Gene’s son, Eugene, served as a Deputy Marshal alongside his father in 1998.
Gene’s daughter, Kathy Reilly, holds the honor of becoming the first female Grand Marshal in 2002.
Gene’s daughter, Julie Walsh, was a Deputy Marshal in 2011.
Gene’s daughter, Megin Reilly, was a Deputy Marshal in 2023.
Gene’s sons Eugene and Philip have proudly marched with the FDNY almost every year.
Gene MC’d the dinner dance, along with son John and daughter Kathy.
And who can forget Gene’s wife, Margaret – Mrs. Reilly - proudly waving her American and Irish flags while riding along the parade route in one of the antique cars or the horse and carriage?
In addition to the parade, Gene and Margaret can be very proud of the legacy they left behind – the success of their children and grandchildren, who are the second generation of movers and shakers in the U.S.
Daughter Catherine Reilly Eliasen, retired after 34 years as a NYC school teacher. She, and her husband, Kenny Eliasen, reside in Bay Ridge. Her stepson, Sage, is in Spain teaching English.
Son Philip, FDNY, and his wife Joann have three sons, Philip, Paul, and Matthew. All three boys served in the military, with Philip still serving in the U.S. Navy, has been recently promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Paul lives in Arizona, working and teaching electrical engineering, and Matthew, a former U.S. Marine, is a millwright.
Son John and his wife, Donna, have three children, John, Jennifer and Jessica. John is an attorney and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, and has recently purchased a home in Bay Ridge along with his partner, Jonathan. Jennifer works for the government in Alexandria, Virginia, and Jessica works for Prudential and works alongside her father.
Julie and Pat’s have two daughters, Catherine and Jean. Catherine is a Doctor of Veterinarian Studies, and ran the 2024 NYC Marathon, raising money for ovarian cancer research. Jeanis an occupational therapist, working with children in New York City.
Eugene and Dawn have 2 children, Thea and Joseph, both of whom are serving in the military. Thea is in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany, and Joseph is in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Guam.
Megin works in animal research as a manager at Sloan Kettering. Along with her partner, Frank, Megin takes looks after the old homestead on 63rd Street, cares for her cats, and assures the neighborhood is in good repair.
For all the successes enjoyed by Gene and Margaret’s children and grandchildren, they would be most happy to know that their descendants are good people, with kind hearts and good sensibilities, and who, like Gene and Margaret, want to leave this place better than when they found it. They continue to serve and help those less fortunate, they never forget where they came from, and are so proud of their Irish roots.
If Gene were alive today, he would be very proud of how much the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade has evolved over the years, but at the same time has stayed the same. From the tiny seed planted in 1994 with the idea of having another Irish parade promoting Irish history, Irish culture and its Catholic faith, Gene’s vision has flourished. While the tenets of the concept of the parade remain the same, the parade has flourished and continues to grow, celebrating Irish heritage while supporting our local parochial schools and causes that are dear to our beloved Bay Ridge – Gene and Margaret Reilly’s Bay Ridge.
HONORARY IRISHMAN
OF THE YEAR
BRIAN CHIN
Brian Chin is a Business Banking Relationship Manager 1 at Citizens Bank. He is responsible for developing new business in the Bay Ridge area and supporting the local community. Brian has been in the banking industry for over 18 years and previously worked at Commerce Bank, Valley National Bank, Northfield Bank, TD Bank and Investors Bank.
Brian received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College. While attending Berkeley College, he was a member of The National Dean’s List, President’s List, and received an Outstanding Student Award. Brian is also a Notary Public of the State of New York.
Brian lives and works in Bay Ridge, and he dedicates himself to serving the community in any way he can.
Brian is a Board of Governor member of The Bay Ridge Real-Estate Board, which hosts meetings and events to educate the community regarding current real estate trends.
Brian is a Community Advisory Board member for the Bay-Ridge Center, whose mission is to provide services and programs for adults 60 years and older in Southwest Brooklyn that promote their well-being, support their independence and encourage their involvement in community life.
Brian is President of The 12:30 Club Of Bay Ridge, whose mission to foster the trade and commerce of Bay Ridge and the encouragement of industry and good citizenship.
Brian is a Golf Committee member for The Guild For Exceptional Children Inc., whose mission to help children and adults living with developmental disabilities lead dignified and satisfying lives, and is a volunteer for the Bay Ridge Breakfast For Scouting Committee, whose mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lifetime.
Brian Chin is a recipient of the “Rising Stars” award from The Home Reporter/Brooklyn Spectator.
In addition to his unwavering service to Bay Ridge, in his free time Brian enjoys swimming, golfing, reading, going to museums, traveling, and visiting rooftops in New York City.
Brian’s believes the key to his success is being proactive and his determination to accomplish any task at hand.
Claddagh award recipient
ED WILKINSON
Born in Greenpoint, Ed is a life-long resident of Brooklyn. He attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School, Cathedral Prep, Cathedral College, in Douglaston and studied Theology, at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. Ed is married to Sheila (nee Murnane) and are the proud parents of their son, Edward. They are devoted and active parishioners of Our Lady of Angels.
In 1970, fresh out of college, Ed interviewed for the reporter position at the Tablet. Having no experience, they decided to take a chance on him - offering him a six month trial period. The rest is history! In 1985, Ed became the Editor of the Tablet newspaper that has been faithfully serving the Diocese of Brooklyn for 110 years; 50 of those 110 years with Ed at the helm., 33 as Editor. As the papers Editor in Chief, Ed recorded some of the biggest news in Catholic faith. One of his most memorable events as Editor was during John Paul’s visit to New York in October 1995 when Ed had a personal meeting with John Paul II. He retired from full-time work in 2020. However he continues to work on special projects for the Tablet and also hosts the weekly NET-TV, On the Block, an interview show that features the priests of the metropolitan area in their home neighborhoods. His friends and colleagues urged him to write a book, which he recently released - “Chasing Church News.” His book reflects on his career and all he has covered over the years.
Ed’s journalism life has awarded him several prominent awards, e.g., the Catholic Press Association’s annual newspaper contest. In the Spring of 2019, the Catholic Media Convention honored The Tablet as is Newspaper of the Year, i.e., the nation’s top diocesan newspaper! Ed has also been honored by the Msgr. Ferris Life Center, the Helper’s of God’s Precious Infants, the Boy Scouts of America, Arriba Juntos Youth Center, the Catholic Teacher’s Association, the Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Cathedral Prep Alumni Association.
In 2000, Ed served as Chief Brehon of Catholic Charities’ Great Irish Fair, and in 2007, he was selected as our Grand Marshal! Ed has been a constant at the annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Parade, taking and sharing his pictures of the smiling faces of marchers, dancers and bands. The Committee is elated to have the opportunity to honor Ed as our Claddagh Award Recipient for his unwavering love, loyalty and friendship!