LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Stephen R. Donnelly upon the
occasion of his selection as Grand Marshal of the 81st Annual Huntington
St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 8, 2015

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
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 an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to honor Father
Stephen R. Donnelly upon the occasion of his selection as Grand Marshal
of the 81st Annual Huntington St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held
Sunday, March 8, 2015; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 4, Huntington, New York, upon
the occasion of hosting its 81st Annual Grand Marshal's Ball on Friday,
March 6, 2015, at The Crescent Club, Huntington, New York, and to pay
special recognition to Father Stephen R. Donnelly, the 2015 Grand
Marshal; and
WHEREAS, The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is a Catholic, Irish
American Fraternal organization founded on May 4, 1836, in New York
City; active across the United States, its mission is to foster and
preserve Irish culture, while standing up for issues affecting the Irish
community; and
WHEREAS, For 81 years, the Huntington Ancient Order of Hibernians St.
Patrick's Day Parade has remained dedicated to promoting Irish heritage,
traditions, family, and patriotic values; and
WHEREAS, An Associate Pastor of St. Patrick's R.C. Church since June
23, 2010, Father Stephen R. Donnelly currently serves as the Huntington
Ancient Order of Hibernians chaplain; and
WHEREAS, When he graduated from Deer Park High School in 1973, Stephen
R. Donnelly aspired to be involved in law enforcement and earned a
degree in criminal justice; and
WHEREAS, Unable to find employment within the criminal justice field,
he accepted a position with an A&P supermarket; after 15 years serving
as a manager, Stephen R. Donnelly began his theological studies in
September of 1991 and was ordained in June of 1997; and
WHEREAS, Father Stephen R. Donnelly then began assignments in New Hyde
Park, North Merrick and Sound Beach before coming to Huntington in 2011;
and
WHEREAS, Father Stephen R. Donnelly embodies all of the best traits of
an exemplary grand marshal: a devout Irish Catholic committed to uplift-
ing Huntington's residents and local Irish culture; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Father Stephen R. Donnelly has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Stephen R. Donnelly upon the occasion of his selection as
Grand Marshal of the 81st Annual Huntington St. Patrick's Day Parade on
March 8, 2015; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Father Stephen R. Donnelly.