LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Francis John Marra upon the occasion of
his designation as Deputy Marshal of the 18th Annual Bay Ridge St.
Patrick's Day Parade on March 27, 2011

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
Francis John Marra upon the occasion of his designation as Deputy
Marshal of the 18th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held
on Sunday, March 27, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn and growing up in Sunset Park, Frankie Marra
attended St. Michael Roman Catholic School, Bishop Ford High School and
The College of Staten Island; he is presently employed as a field sales
manager for the Hain-Celestial Group, the largest organic food company
in the world; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Mara organized the Special Olympics along with Jack
Malone for the Guild for Exceptional Children and the William O'Connor
School; he also co-founded the Annual Greater Bay Ridge Fourth of July
Family Picnic Concert, now in its fourth year; and
WHEREAS, A successful band leader and musician, Frankie Marra has
utilized his name and musicianship to headline and run many benefits to
help organizations, families and other causes; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Francis John Marra has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Fran-
cis John Marra over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kathleen, and their
two daughters, Lauren Ann and Kristin Leigh, all 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 18th Annual Bay
Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Francis John Marra 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 Francis John Marra upon the occasion of his designation as the
Deputy Marshal of the 18th Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Francis John Marra.