LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Frank Kealy upon the occasion of his
designation as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade on March 13, 2010

WHEREAS, Saint Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities
and generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage
of the Irish people throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, A Saint Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Frank Kealy upon the occasion of his designation as the Grand Marshal of
the 2010 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held on Saturday, March
13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Frank Kealy has been called
upon to contribute his time and talents to countless endeavors on behalf
of the local Irish community and has always given of himself unstinting-
ly; and
WHEREAS, Frank Kealy has been an active member of the local chapter of
the Ancient Order of Hibernians since 1995, serving at one time as its
secretary; he was also the emcee/announcer for the McDonough-Hill School
of Irish Dance from 1993-1999; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Frank Kealy managed the Utica-based chapter of
the Irish Political Prisoners Children's Holiday (IPPCH); the IPPCH was
a joint Irish-American organization based in Belfast, Ireland, and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Frank Kealy worked tirelessly to carry out the noble mission
of the IPPCH, enabling more than 100 children from embattled Northern
Ireland to enjoy a month-long vacation in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Frank Kealy filled every role possible
for the IPPCH, organizing fund-raising events, lining up host families,
flying to Ireland to make arrangements, traveling to Boston or Phila-
delphia to pick up the children and bring them to Utica, and invariably
taking in a child or two when the original arrangements fell through;
and
WHEREAS, Today, the IPPCH ceases to exist, this is not because of any
failure of Frank Kealy but because of his tremendous success, as every
single child who was eligible under this exceptional program had already
participated; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his contributions to the local Irish causes,
Frank Kealy has been an active member of the Frankfort Center Fire
Department for 45 years, holding every elected and appointed office at
one time or another; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Frank
Kealy over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 51 years, Dawn, and
their five children, Daniel, Michael, Patrick, Colleen and Maureen, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal of the 2010 Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade, Frank Kealy embodies the spirit and the cherished
ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Frank Kealy upon the occasion of his designation as the Grand
Marshal of the 2010 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 13, 2010;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frank Kealy.