Pat Quinn and his wife Jenn.
Pat Quinn, a leading advocate for increasing awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), has been selected 2016 grand marshal for the 61st annual Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade which take place on McLean Avenue on Saturday, March 19.
The official installation of Quinn as grand marshal and the aides for the parade will take place on Sunday, March 6, at a gala celebration of the “Changing of the Sash” in the Good Time Room at Empire City Casino at 6:30 p.m. Empire City General Counsel Tim Rooney, Jr., last year’s grand marshal, will “pass the sash” at that time.
Tickets for the gala Dinner/Dance are priced at $90 per person, and include an open bar, prime rib or salmon dinner (chicken and vegetarian option), complimentary valet parking, and entertainment by the Guss Hayes Band. For reservations and more information visit www.yonkersstpatricksparade.org.
Quinn was and remains at the forefront of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, connecting to a myriad of networks to popularize the challenge around the U.S. and around the World in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Quinn, 33, was born and raised in Yonkers. He attended St. John the Baptist grade school, Iona Preparatory School and Iona College. A strong athlete, he played basketball in high school and collegiate rugby. He was diagnosed with ALS in March, 2013, and his wife Jenn has been by his side every step of the way.
His father, Patrick Liam Quinn was born in the town of Newry, linking Quinn’s grandmother from Co. Armagh and grandfather from Co. Down. His mother Rosemary’s maiden name is Keane, and his great grandparents are from counties Cork, Clare and Westmeath.
The Yonkers parade will get underway on March 19 following a Mass at St. Barnabas High School Chapel on McLean Avenue, when marchers step off at 1 p.m. on McLean west of Bronx River Road.