Yonkers Grand Marshal Patricia McCrudden.
By Irish Echo Staff
The 2020 Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade on McLean Avenue, previously rescheduled for September, has now been cancelled and rescheduled for next year.
In a statement, organizers said that on March 10, "when the Parade Board made the very tough decision to reschedule the Parade to September 19, 2020, we truly thought we were making a decision that would safely allow for a beautiful fall parade on McLean Avenue."
The statement added; "In our wildest dreams we could not have imagined the way these past months would have unfolded for us, both as a nation and a community.
"On May 20th the Parade Board made another tough decision: we don't feel the Parade can be held safely during these difficult times. So, for the health and well-being of our marchers, spectators, Aides and Grand Marshal we have, with heavy hearts, decided not to hold the parade in September."
The parade statement added that the 2020 aides and grand marshal, who is Patricia McCrudden, will be honored on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the parade dinner.
"They will also be honored on March 20, 2021 when we look forward to marching up McLean Avenue with all of you," the parade statement concluded.
The 2020/21 honorees are: Grand Marshal Patricia McCrudden. Her aides are: Annmarie Acosta – Irish Music and Dance Educator; Reverend Father William Cleary – Chaplain to the Yonkers Fire Department; Joan Henchy – New York Gaelic Athletic Association; Timothy Hodges – Yonkers Police Department; Sean P. Mayer – Ancient Order of Hibernians, Myles Scully Division 1; Richard McSpedon Jr. – Local 3 IEBW, Westchester Mechanics Association; William J. Saich – Ferncliff Manor; Nancy Walsh – Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Our Lady of Knock Division 19;
A biography of Grand Marshal McCrudden reads in part: "She is the only child of Jean (Sealander) and Lewis Donovan. Her father’s roots were in counties Dublin and Cork.
"Born in Brooklyn and raised in Westchester, Pat attended grade school in White Plains. She graduated from Hastings High School, a member of the National Honor Society. Pat earned a BBA Degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. After graduation, she was employed by Young & Rubicam Advertising in Manhattan.
"Pat married Larry McCrudden at St. Matthew’s Church, Hastings in 1965. They have three children: Jean Tickell, Realtor with Rand Realty, Nancy Meza, Special Ed Teacher, and Larry McCrudden, Owner of The Custom Family, a photographic production company. Sons-in-law are Cammie Tickell and Adam Meza. They have seven grandchildren: Jack Tickell; Aiden, Lou and Hudson Meza; James Ella, Zane and Cal McCrudden.
"Pat’s efforts often make a difference in the lives of children. In the 1980s her family participated in the “Irish Children’s Summer Program,” hosting several Catholic and Protestant children for six weeks each summer. Some continue to stay in touch as adults. In 1993, expanding on the Christmas Toy Drive concept, Pat and Larry created “The Great Birthday Caper,” providing birthday gifts to children and teens in group residences.
"Pat was an active volunteer at Christ the King Parish and School. In 1997, Pat and Larry were instrumental in creating the Msgr. John J. Foley Scholarship Trust Fund in honor of the late long-time Pastor. Over $180,000 was raised from a one-time solicitation, and was used to give financial aid to Parish School families in need.
"Pat was City Chairman for the March of Dimes Mothers March against Birth Defects and a Member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors. She served on the Boards of the Amackassin Club and the Northern Ireland Children’s Enterprises (NICE). Just a few of her awards and recognitions are: The Mayor’s Community Relations Committee Women’s Equality Award, March of Dimes Appreciation Award, Andrus Award, and the 2010 Yonkers Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence Award. In 2019, Pat and Larry were inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame."
For information and parade updates go to www.yonkersstpatricksparade.org.
