LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Christopher J. McGrath upon the occasion
of his selection as Grand Marshal of the Annual Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade on March 12, 2016

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate the rich heritage of
the Irish people, unlimited in their contribution to this State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland and provides an opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Christopher J.
McGrath upon the occasion of his selection as Grand Marshal of the Annu-
al Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade is considered one of the
largest in New York State; thousands of local families enjoyed last
year's parade which included over 2,000 marchers from Canada, Pennsylva-
nia, and throughout New York, as well as local favorites; and
WHEREAS, For the eighth consecutive year, the Utica St. Patrick's Day
Parade will host a Food Drive during this auspicious event; all monetary
and food donations will be given to the Mother Marianne West Side Kitch-
en located at St. Joseph-St. Patrick Church in West Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Utica, New York, resident Christopher J. McGrath holds the
position of President of Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors; under his
luminous leadership, the business is dedicated to earning the trust of
the families it serves by exceeding their expectations with excellent
service and fair prices while providing comfort and compassion during a
difficult time; and
WHEREAS, Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors is comprised of several
funeral service families brought together to serve the area; from the
beginning of Quinn Funeral Home in 1901, to the gathering of Ortner
Funeral Home, Doyle Funeral Home and the formation of Nunn & McGrath
Funeral Directors, it has been a part of Utica and the surrounding
communities for over 100 years; and
WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the spirit, purity
and strength of the Irish culture and its fine traditions; and
WHEREAS, Through this heartfelt and compassionate expression, as well
as through their sustained commitment to the cultural vitality of their
Irish heritage, the Irish-American people of Utica, New York, the Mohawk
Valley, and the State of New York bear witness to the deep faith and
love of humanity which is their rich tradition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Christopher J. McGrath upon the occasion of his selection as Grand
Marshal of the Annual Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 12, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Grand Marshal Christopher J. McGrath.