LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brian P. Kelly upon the occasion of his
selection as Deputy Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day
Parade on March 20, 2016

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
Brian P. Kelly upon the occasion of his selection as Deputy Marshal of
the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 20, 2016;
and
WHEREAS, Proud of his Irish lineage, Brian P. Kelly's maternal grand-
father, Peter O'Hara, was born in the United States and moved to Ireland
at the young age of two; upon returning to the United States, he married
Mary Daly from County Armagh; and
WHEREAS, Brian P. Kelly's parents, Hugh and Eleanor, made a home for
their family of eight, on 73rd Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Educated at Our Lady of Angels, Brian P. Kelly sang in the
choir, and was a vital member of both the baseball and basketball teams,
winning numerous awards over the years; in addition to playing school
sports, he played for the Police Athletic League; and
WHEREAS, On Saturdays, Brian P. Kelly earned money by delivering THE
TABLE, and sold copies outside of Church after mass on Sundays; and
WHEREAS, As a teenager, Brian P. Kelly worked as a camp counselor for
the Franciscan Brothers at Camp Alveria for two summers; after graduat-
ing high school, he attended St. John's Prep where he continued to
follow his love for basketball and joined the team, while also playing
in the OLA Parish League; and
WHEREAS, After school, Brian P. Kelly joined his brothers and uncles
and accepted a job at AT&T; after 15 years as a line worker, he was
promoted to a supervisory position, where he spent the next 21 years
serving as Supervisor Engineer, a position from which he retired in
2006; and
WHEREAS, After meeting at a softball game, Brian P. Kelly and Mary Ann
Delaney were married in September of 1976; together, the couple happily
raised three beautiful children; and
WHEREAS, The family bought a house and joined St. Ephrem's Parish,
where Brian P. and Mary Ann Kelly established a Basketball Program;
Brian coached two girls basketball teams, and the boys junior team,
while Mary Ann acted as assistant commissioner and ran the concessions;
the program was very successful, with the 8th grade girls team making it
to the Brooklyn Diocesan Championship game; and
WHEREAS, A noble Irish man, Brian P. Kelly joined the Knights of
Columbus Dongan Council at the age of 18; today, he is a member of the
AOH, in which he currently serves as a Marshal for Division 12; and
WHEREAS, For over four decades, Brian P. Kelly has been an active
member of the Knights of Columbus; in addition, he belonged to Thomas
Dongan Council No. 1251, where he assisted with their bowling leagues
and children's Christmas parties; and
WHEREAS, In his much deserved retirement, Brian P. Kelly enjoys trav-
eling to Atlantic City and Vegas with his brothers and sister, and looks
forward to his annual family reunion in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his loving wife, Mary Ann; his
three devoted children, Beth Ann, Dawn Marie, and Brian, Jr.; and his
six amazing grandchildren, Katie, Jack, Emma, Madeline, Colton, and
Dylan, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by over a
lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Deputy Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Brian P. Kelly embodies the spirit and the
cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Brian P. Kelly upon the occasion of his selection as Deputy
Marshal of the Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 20,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deputy Marshal Brian P. Kelly.