Kathleen McGinnis-DiChiara Named Grand Marshal of 2006 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Jim Lowney Photo

Union County, NJ--The 2006 Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee proudly announces Kathleen McGinnis-DiChiara of Summit has been named Grand Marshal of the 10th Annual Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

McGinnis-DiChiara is known throughout the state and beyond for her 30 years of work helping the needy as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey located in Hillside.

“Kathleen displays all the qualities of a selfless and dedicated Irish Catholic who absolutely conveys the true significance of our culture, heritage and honor to the patron saint of Ireland,” said Peter Tierney, the 2006 Parade General Chairman.

McGinnis-DiChiara, a Summit resident for more than 30 years, traces her Irish roots back through three grandparents to Counties Cork, Limerick and Waterford.

“My parents would be thrilled,” said McGinnis-DiChiara after learning she was named Grand Marshal, noting she grew up in a home very aware of her Irish heritage.

“My mother taught us to bless ourselves in Irish Gaelic.”

A hands-on manager at the FoodBank, McGinnis-DiChiara can be seen on the loading dock with her sleeves rolled up one minute and meeting with business executives and bankers the next in order to continue a constant flow of food to the needy.

The recipient of a multitude of awards and honors, McGinnis-DiChiara has been recognized by three U.S. presidents, three governors and Pope John Paul II for her efforts in collecting and disturbing food to those in need. Also, she counts New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen as a friend and supporter for 20 years.

The Union County Emerald Society nominated McGinnis-DiChiara for Grand Marshal and she was elected unanimously by representatives of the 17 parade committee member organizations and parade officers.

“I think this is fantastic,” McGinnis-DiChiara said. “I am honored and humbled.”

Between the four trips she has made to Ireland, McGinnis-DiChiara enjoys keeping up with Irish news and events on both sides of the Atlantic. She hopes to travel to Eire again soon where every trip includes visiting cousins in Shannongolden, Co. Limerick.

The 2006 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be a family day for McGinnis-DiChiara as well as a celebration of her Irish heritage. She is looking forward to sharing the day with her husband Anthony, her children Erin and Anthony and grandchildren Alexandra and Anthony. Her brother Dr. James McGinnis and his wife Tina from Oklahoma City and her sister, Sr. Sheila McGinnis from Philadelphia, will also be joining her for the march down Morris Avenue.

“We enthusiastically look forward to parade day when Kathleen will lead us in our yearly tribute to St. Patrick,” said General Chairman Tierney.

Kathleen McGinnis-DiChiara will be installed as the Grand Marshal of the 2006 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade during an Investiture Mass at St. Teresa of Avila Church located at 306 Morris Avenue, Summit on Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. All are invited to attend the Mass and Investiture. The formal installation will be conducted by Peg Cullen formerly of Mountainside, the 2005 Grand Marshal.

The Grand Marshal’s Reception will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 300 Central Avenue in Mountainside, after the Investiture Mass, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information or tickets for the reception, which are $30 per person, please contact Dennis Cogan at 732-382-7515 or David Thornton at 201-638-0324.

The 10th Annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1:00 p.m. sharp on Saturday, March 11, 2006 on Morris Avenue in Union, NJ.

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