The Northern Westchester/Putnam St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee inducted Carmel resident Brendan McDonnell as the grand marshal of the upcoming 47th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, during its Feb. 2 installation dinner at Centennial Golf Course in Carmel.
This year’s parade is scheduled Sunday, March 10 (rain or shine) at 2 p.m., along Route 6 in Mahopac.
McDonnell was born June 25, 1955, in Manhattan. His father, Michael, hailed from Drummin County Mayo, and his mother, Margaret (nee McClatchey), hailed from Tynan County Armagh. Brendan was the middle child, having an older sister, Margaret, and a younger brother, Eugene.
Brendan grew up in the Bronx and played football and softball in several leagues. He attended St. John’s Kingsbridge grammar school, graduating in 1969, then continuing his Catholic education at Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, graduating in 1973. He then attended Lehman College for a semester, but decided college life was not for him.
In 1986, Brendan became a New York State court officer. He was assigned to the Bronx Criminal Court where he was assigned as chauffer and body guard for the chief administrative judge of New York State for several years. He then transferred to Putnam County courts, where he completed his career in 2021 after 35 years of service.
Brendan has been a resident of Putnam County since 1992. He was married to Vanessa Krysty and has two children: Steven, 27, and Krysty, 20. Brendan’s significant other is Laura Golub, and upon her retirement, he says they look forward to the beginning of their next life adventures.
Brendan is involved with several organizations in the community, including the Fraternal Order of Police Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge 704, where he is a charter member and has served in numerous positions and is currently executive vice president. He has served as the drum major for approximately 10 years, giving him ample experience with parades.
He is also involved with the Our Lady of the Lakes Council 6318 Knights of Columbus in Carmel, and assists on the Putnam Heroes Memorial Committee, which hold a memorial service each Sept. 11.
Brendan expressed his gratitude for being selected as the 2024 parade grand marshal, thanking all the sponsoring organizations for putting their faith in him for this honor. He said he appreciates all the countless and selfless hours and effort by the parade committee all year long to ensure the continued success of the event.
For more information about, and to register to march in this year’s Northern Westchester/Putnam St. Patrick’s Day Parade, email MahopacStPatricks@aol.com.