Honor John Sullivan Parade Role

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.