Senate Resolution No. 1358

BY: Senator KENNEDY

HONORING Jeff Wilson upon the occasion of his
designation as Grand Marshal of the 77th Annual
Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 19, 2017

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate the rich heritage
of the Irish people, unlimited in their contribution to this State and
Nation; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jeff Wilson
upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the 77th Annual
Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade, held on Sunday, March 19, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Presented by the United Irish American Association (UIAA)
the theme of the 2017 Saint Patrick's Day Parade was "Hail to Saint
Patrick - God Bless America - Support our Troops," and was dedicated to
the memory of Thomas P. Johnson; and

WHEREAS, The fun-filled day began with a Mass concelebrated by
Bishop Richard J. Malone and Chaplain Father David Richards at Saint
Joseph's Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade was joyfully watched
by thousands of people as it proceeded north on Delaware Avenue to North
Street; Buffalonians and visitors enthusiastically waved to their Grand
Marshal, Jeff Wilson, as he proudly marched by; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Western New York, Jeff Wilson was
one of four children born to the late Renwick and Marie Wilson; he grew
up in South Buffalo, where he was a student at Bishop Neumann High
School; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Erie Community College, Jeff Wilson
owned and operated his own business for 30 years; currently, he is a
utility inspector for Onshore Quality Control Specialists representing
Kinder Morgan; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Wilson first became involved with the UIAA, when he
volunteered to work along the route of the St. Patrick's Day Parade;
after many years of service, he was elected to the Executive Committee
of the United Irish American Association; throughout his tenure, he has
served in various capacities such as fundraising, and helping with setup
and take down of reviewing stands and barricades after parade day; and

WHEREAS, Grand Marshal Jeff Wilson's Deputy Marshals include his
wife of 30 years, Lynn Wilson; his three children, Kyle, Courtney, and
Lauren; and his close friends from UIAA, Garry Johnson and Mark O'Neill;
the group was led by his sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Dan
Dundon; and his brother and sister-in-law, William and Nancy Wilson; and

WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the spirit, purity
and strength of the Irish culture and its fine traditions; and

WHEREAS, Through this heartfelt and compassionate expression, as
well as through their sustained commitment to the cultural vitality of
their Irish heritage, the Irish-American people of the City of Buffalo,
Erie County, and the entire State of New York bear witness to the deep
faith and love of humanity which is their rich tradition; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jeff Wilson upon the occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal
of the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 19, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Grand Marshal Jeff Wilson.