CMO Main Street Will Go Green for St. Patrick This Saturday

The popular St. Patrick’s Day parade down Main Street in Center Moriches is set for March 12 with life-long resident Joe Townsend the Grand Marshal. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, the parade will feature marching bands and show off floats from a host of community organizations.

A retired Suffolk Deputy Sheriff, Townsend has been revered as a Center Moriches school security guard for almost three decades keeping watch over proms, Red Devil sports and the many events that make up the fabric of the community. He’s a reserved, yet constant presence making sure the students are always safe.

Grand Marshal Joe Townsend

The Irishman has been a volunteer fireman since 1965 and served as a fire commissioner, including district chairman, for 25 years. His accolades include Fireman of the Year and Officer of the Year when he served as a deputy sheriff investigator. He was the president of the Deputy Sheriff Investigator’s Association.

The Grand Marshal graduated from Center Moriches and never left the Bay Area having raised two daughters and is the proud grandad of two. “This has been my home my entire life and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else,” Townsend said. “I’m honored and proud to have been selected Marshal.” Joe was often seen side-by-side with his wife of 51 years, Pat, before her untimely passing a few years back.

Townsend follows in a long line of local dignitaries to lead the annual parade and will be joined by 2023 Irish Princess Jillian Ryan, who will be attending Cornell University in the fall. Past Grand Marshals include Clayton Huey, long-time Center Moriches principal and namesake of the elementary school, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, who is running for Suffolk County executive, and Gerry Sapanaro, the chamber treasurer.