LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Phil Gilson upon the occasion of his
designation as Deputy Marshal of the 17th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's
Day Parade on March 28, 2010

WHEREAS, St. 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 St. 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 Phil
Gilson upon the occasion of his designation as Deputy Marshal of the
17th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held on Sunday,
March 28, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Phil Gilson's roots to Ireland are traceable back through his
father who is from County Westmeath; he also has ties to County Limerick
through his wife, whose grandfather was a member of the 1887 All-Ireland
Championship Football Team; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn and raised in Manhattan, Phil Gilson
attended Corpus Christi grammar school, Cardinal Hayes High School,
Manhattan College and St. John's University; and
WHEREAS, After college, Phil Gilson joined New York Telephone and
stayed with them throughout his career and their various name changes;
while NYNEX, he passed the Purchasing Managers exam and was awarded the
nationally recognized title of Certified Purchasing Manager; he retired
from Verizon after 30 years of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Phil Gilson has been called
upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charita-
ble endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Phil Gilson is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
Division 12, where he currently holds the office of Recording Secretary
and is the former County Board Officer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Phil Gilson was a deputy AOH National Archivist
working to document gifts of altars and stained glass windows donated by
AOH divisions to various parishes in Massachusetts, New York, Connecti-
cut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia; he also discovered nine
unknown stained glass gifts in New York City; his efforts in this under-
taking have helped increase the documented number of these beautiful
works of art to 330; and
WHEREAS, During the 1950s and early 1960s, Phil Gilson served as an
anti-aircraft gunner and Nike missileman defending New York City; today,
he is very active in historical and veterans groups such as the annual
Wounded Warrior Project and the 9-11 Fr. Mychal Judge commemoration; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Phil Gilson is a member of the American Legion;
he is also a past president of the Rockaway Point Association and served
on their board for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Known for his exceptional talent, Phil Gilson is the photog-
rapher for the Irish Brigade annual Battle of Fredericksburg memorial as
well as for other community gatherings; his photographs have been
published both locally and nationally; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Phil
Gilson over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Geraldine, and their
daughter, Valerie, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Deputy Marshal of the 17th Annual Bay
Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Phil Gilson 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 Phil Gilson upon the occasion of his designation as the Deputy
Marshal of the 17th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on March
28, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Phil Gilson.