Parade Committee Installs Grand Marshal For 47th Annual Event

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Carmel resident Brendan McDonnell has been chosen as Grand Marshal for the 47th annual Northern-Westchester Putnam St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is March 10.

The parade committee honored him at their annual Grand Marshal Installation Dinner on Friday at the Centennial Golf Club in Carmel.

McDonnell was born on June 25, 1955 in Manhattan, New York to Michael and Margaret (nee McClatchey) McDonnell. His father, Michael, hailed from Drummin County Mayo, and his mother, Margaret, 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 as well as softball in several leagues.
Brendan attended St. John’s Kingsbridge grammar school, graduating in 1969; he continued his Catholic education at Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, graduating in 1973. He then attended Lehman College for a semester and decided that 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 the 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 thirty-five years of service.

Brendan has been a resident of Putnam County since 1992. He was married to Vanessa
Krysty and has two children, a son, Steven, age 27, and a daughter, Krysty, age 20.
Brendan’s significant other is Laura Golub; upon her retirement, they look forward to the beginning of their next chapter and life adventures.

Brendan is involved with several great organizations in the community; the Fraternal Order of Police Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge 704 where he is a charter member and has served in numerous positions, currently as the Executive Vice President; the Knights of Columbus Council 6318. He has also served as the Drum Major for the Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Pipe Band for approximately ten years, giving him ample experience with parades.

Additionally, Brendan assists on the Putnam Heroes Memorial Committee which holds a memorial service each Sept. 11.

Brendan expressed heartfelt gratitude and elation about being selected as the 2024 Grand Marshal, and his appreciation of the countless and selfless hours and effort by the parade committee all year long to ensure the continued success of this parade. He also thanked all the sponsoring organizations.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off March 10, rain or shine, in Mahopac.

For more information and to register to march in the parade, email [email protected].