Honor Patrick Dunbar Parade Marshal

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.