Senate Resolution No. 4229

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING James Sumbrum Sr. upon the occasion of
his designation as Grand Marshal of the 25th Annual
"Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade in the
First Ward

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend James Sumbrum Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 25th Annual "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade
in Buffalo's First Ward; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
James Sumbrum Sr. will have the honor of leading the "Old Neighborhood"
St. Patrick's Day Parade which will include over 100 marching units
representing the Irish heritage and pride of social clubs, Irish
culture, and family clans, as well as fire and police departments; and

WHEREAS, The Parade will mimic the original 1913 route, winding
through the streets of the historic Buffalo River Community including
South Park Avenue, Smith Street, Elk Street, Hamburg Street, and South
Street on Saturday, March 17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The 25th Annual "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade
will be dedicated to the memory of three "Old Neighborhood" figureheads
who passed away last year: Mike Harrington, Bob Bouquard, and Paul
Simonick; these indomitable gentleman dedicated their lives to
supporting their neighborhood, and will truly be missed by all; and

WHEREAS, James Sumbrum Sr. is proud to carry on the family tradition
of participating in this great parade; his mother, Mary Ellen Sumbrum,
was the 2012 Grand Marshal of the 19th Annual Old First Ward St.
Patrick's Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, James Sumbrum Sr. is a retired truck driver for the City of
Buffalo's Public Works Department; when he was not working, he served as
a recreational aide for the Old First Ward Center and the Valley
Community Center; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable man also played an active role in community
sports leagues by coaching Little League football, and assisting in the
launch of South Buffalo lacrosse in Father Conway Park; and

WHEREAS, James Sumbrum Sr.'s wife, Pam; his two sons, James and
Justin; and his grandchildren will proudly march alongside the patriarch
of their loving family as he leads the 25th Annual "Old Neighborhood"
St. Patrick's Day Parade through the Buffalo River area; and

WHEREAS, James Sumbrum Sr. has worked tirelessly to not only promote
Irish culture but to establish strong ties between America and the
island of Ireland; and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal for the 25th Annual "Old
Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade, James Sumbrum Sr. embodies the
spirit and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this
great State and Nation; he is a steadfast champion of all things Irish
and Irish-American; 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend James Sumbrum Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as Grand
Marshal of the 25th Annual "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James Sumbrum Sr.