Senate Resolution No. 650

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING John Sullivan upon the occasion of his
designation as Grand Marshal of the 2019 Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade

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 John Sullivan upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 2019 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
John Sullivan will have the honor of leading the Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade up Genesee Street on Saturday, March 16, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade is considered one of the
largest in New York State; thousands of local families enjoyed last
year's parade which included over 2,000 marchers from Canada,
Pennsylvania, and throughout New York, as well as local favorites; and

WHEREAS, John Sullivan's parents are both from Ireland; he is the
first born of first generation in the United States and has worked
tirelessly to not only promote Irish culture but to establish strong
ties between America and the island of Ireland; and

WHEREAS, John Sullivan is the owner and operator of John Sullivan
and Son Construction Company, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, John Sullivan has been involved in a number
of volunteer activities including: Chairperson of Mother Marianne's West
Side Soup Kitchen, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and
the Perpetual Adoration at St. Joseph-St. Patrick's Church; and

WHEREAS, He has built three Catholic projects in Utica: the
structural tribute to Mother Marianne on Schuyler Street, and the
Adoration Chapel and Begger's Shrine, both at St. Joseph-St. Patrick's
Church, where he teaches confirmation classes; and

WHEREAS, John Sullivan's volunteer activities in the local sports
scene have encompassed coaching Pop Warner Football and serving as
Treasurer of Whitesboro Youth Hockey; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, the former Debbie
Zaino, who feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the Utica St.
Patrick's Day Parade, John Sullivan 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 John Sullivan upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 2019 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Sullivan.