Senate Resolution No. 2982

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Patrick Dunbar upon the occasion of his
designation as Grand Marshal of the 27th Annual "Old
Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo's
First Ward

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Patrick Dunbar upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 27th Annual "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade
in Buffalo's First Ward; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
Patrick Dunbar will have the honor of leading the "Old Neighborhood" St.
Patrick's Day Parade which will include over 100 marching units
representing the Irish heritage and pride of social clubs, Irish
culture, and family clans, as well as fire and police departments; and

WHEREAS, The Parade will mimic the original 1913 route, winding
through the historic streets of the Valley and Old First Ward
Neighborhoods on Saturday, March 14, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Dunbar was born in the Valley neighborhood to Daisy
Dunbar, who raised him along with his grandmother, Ma Dunbar; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Dunbar attended Buffalo Public School No. 33,
Southside Junior High School, and South Park High School where he was
the captain of both the basketball and baseball teams; under his able
leadership, the 1970 baseball team won the New York State Championship;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Patrick Dunbar played basketball and
earned his degree from Bryant & Stratton College; and

WHEREAS, Today, Patrick Dunbar holds the title of Recreational
Instructor for the City of Buffalo Department of Parks and Recreation,
and works at the Hennepin Community Center; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Patrick Dunbar has worked throughout
the city's park system at many of the its pools including Centennial,
Kensington, and Masten, and with youth at community centers throughout
Buffalo including Jubilee, Asarese-Matters, Lanigan, and Tosh Collins;
and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his heritage and his community, Patrick Dunbar
is member of both the Corkers and the West Seneca Social Club, and holds
the position of President of The Blarney Castle; and

WHEREAS, For most of his life, Patrick Dunbar has been actively
involved with the Valley Community Association, serving as President of

its Board of Directors; he has always been ready to lend a helping hand,
whether it was assisting with Valley Bingo or various benefits, or
wearing Santa Claus and Easter Bunny costumes at various Valley
Reunions; and

WHEREAS, This fun-loving Buffalonian is also well known for dressing
as St. Patrick in the "Old Neighborhood" parade; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Dunbar is dedicated to the health and well-being of
his community, serving as coach of the Valley-First Ward Football League
and numerous basketball, football, soccer, softball, and baseball teams;
he also helped organize the Valley Slow Pitch Softball League and the
Buffalo River Fest Softball Tournament; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
community, Patrick Dunbar was named the 1994 Valley Community
Association Volunteer of the Year and the 2015 Buffalo River Fest Park
Volunteer of the Year; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, the former Joan
Lynch; two daughters, Elizabeth Hays and Emily Banko; one stepson, Marco
Berbonich; and seven grandchildren Hudson, Lilly, Anna, Sylvia, Wesley,
Lucas and Nathan, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Dunbar has worked tirelessly to not only promote
Irish culture but to establish strong ties between America and the
island of Ireland; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the 27th Annual "Old
Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade, Patrick Dunbar embodies the
spirit and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this
great State and Nation; he is a steadfast champion of all things Irish
and Irish-American; and

WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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
commend Patrick Dunbar upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 27th Annual "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade
in Buffalo's First Ward; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Patrick Dunbar.