Press release.
Jack Maley to Serve as Grand Marshal Posthumously for North Wildwood’s 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
North Wildwood – Mayor Patrick Rosenello announced today that the Grand Marshal for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will be John J. Maley (Jack) posthumously, a US Army veteran and a resident of North Wildwood, NJ since 2001. Originally from Philadelphia and a graduate of North Catholic High School, Jack was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Jack helped develop and manage the popular North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival that is held in September.
Jack was involved in sports his entire life. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for being an all-star fast pitch softball player. Jack played on many teams in regional championships and national tournaments including for the Flatiron AC softball organization. Jack donated his time and knowledge to the Crispin Gardens Youth Organization coaching little league football and baseball. Jack contributed solid leadership, motivation and life skills to former players and assistant coaches.
“Jack was a larger than life person who brightened up any room he was in,” said North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello. “His dedication and love for all things Irish, and for the City of North Wildwood, will not soon be forgotten. We are honored that Jack’s loving family will represent him in our parade this year and we know that his Irish eyes will be smiling down on all of us.”
The celebration of Irish Heritage starts on Saturday, March 16th, 11:30 a.m. on the steps of North Wildwood City Hall, 901 Atlantic Ave., where Mayor Patrick Rosenello will welcome everyone. Guests will include representatives from City Council, various city departments, and local religious.
The parade will step off at noon, proceeding north on Atlantic Avenue to First Avenue, and then travel west on to Olde New Jersey Avenue to Spruce Avenue. All of the local Irish organizations will march, including but not limited to: the Cape May County Emerald Society, the
AOH and LAOH, the Anglesea Irish Society, Second Street Irish Society Pipe Brigade and the Cape Atlantic Police and Fire Pipe Brigade. The Sheriff mounted patrol along with local school bands will also be joining in the fun, so come out and enjoy the festivities with us!
As always, it will be a grand parade celebrating the heritage of so many North Wildwood residents. Should it rain this year, we’ll bring the celebration into the Recreation Center located at 900 Central Ave. on the same day and time. For questions regarding the parade route, dates and times, please contact our Tourism Office at 1-800-882-7787.