The Village of Patchogue marked the 30th anniversary of its St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a special tribute to Joseph E. Keyes, the late grand marshal and Village Board member.
According to Maria Giustizia-Hilton, director of the Patchogue Recreation & Parks Department, which sponsors the event along with the Greater Patchogue Foundation, this year’s parade was especially significant.
“The parade’s family will be marching in memory of our grand marshal, Joseph E. Keyes,” Giustizia-Hilton told South Shore Press.
Keyes, who served on the Village Board since 2009, died on March 11 after a short illness, according to the municipal website.
His family will continue the tradition in his honor, and the community is encouraged to do the same.
“This parade is a celebration of Joe’s life and all that he was to ‘Patchogue,’” Giustizia-Hilton said. “I’m sure Joe would have been so happy and honored that so many people wanted to celebrate him!”
The St. Patrick’s Parade began 30 years ago, Giustizia-Hilton said.
“It was started by Tom Keegan and Jim McPeak, past owners of the Brick House Brewery in Patchogue. A casual beer turned into a St. Pat’s Parade!”
Before the parade, residents participated in "May the Road Rise to Meet Ye," a two-mile run/walk.
The event was sponsored by the Greater Patchogue Foundation, which supports community improvement projects and celebrations like the parade.