Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade Has A Grateful Irishman At Helm

Earlier this week, well-known businessman Timothy E. Ryan sat down for an all-too familiar routine, hooked up to receive chemotherapy for his long battle with chronic leukemia.

But he's happy. This weekend Ryan will be the first Grand Marshal in history of the Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade.

"The parade is 33 years old and thy have never had a grand marshal before," Ryan said. "I will be number one.
I have been honored by many Irish organization in the past, but this position is a very special honor. To march down the street and lead the parade is quite a humbling experience. As Grand Marshal, I will be representing all the Irish men and women in Ocean County."

But it's not all about his heritage. Ryan will also be representing another group - cancer sufferers, past and present. He has fought an eight-year fight with leukemia.

"I will not let leukemia dictate what I will and can't do!, he said. "For all cancer fighters I will be heading the parade for all of them. Living and dead."

The parade kicks off at noon on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights and will run until 3 p.m. Businesses and restaurants will be open along the boardwalk.

Ryan, who owns a string of funeral homes in central Ocean County, says it's fitting that the day starts with a Mass.

"The Mass for me will set the tone for the day," he sad. "After all, it's only proper that we remember the glorious Saint who brought the faith to Ireland."

Area police departments will hold joint traffic enforcement details on sections of Routes 35 and 37. To read the story, click here.

Image: Courtesy of Timothy E. Ryan