Carolyn McGillicuddy Aide to the Grand Marshal of the 2022 Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Carolyn Masterson McGillicuddy is the second child born to Richard and Alicia Masterson, both of whom are originally from Brooklyn relocated to New Hyde Park in 1968. They later moved to Garden City, where Carolyn and her sister, Christine, were raised. Attending St. Anne’s School, Garden City Junior High, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Carolyn played sports and was involved in Sports Night, Student Council. Carolyn graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications in 1991, and after graduation accepted employment with the U.S. Information Agency in Washington, D.C. Although the work was interesting, Carolyn felt the calling to pursue a career in teaching, and subsequently moved to Arizona to attend Graduate school for Elementary Education. She lived in the Phoenix area for six years, marrying in 1995 and welcoming her daughter Tara in 1998. After teaching for three years in Arizona, Carolyn returned to Long Island with Tara to be close to her family, and in 2000 was offered a position with the Baldwin Union Free School District.
In 2003 Carolyn met Tom McGillicuddy, and it felt like they had been friends for a lifetime. Tom was raising his son Patrick alone, and Carolyn was raising Tara alone. Both children were the same age and in the same grade in school, and the families fit together seamlessly. Tommy and Carolyn were married in 2005 and have raised two exceptional children together. Tara received her BA from Boston University and is currently an EMT for Northwell. Patrick is proudly serving as a Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force. Tom has been a volunteer fireman for 35 years and has served as Chief and Trustee of the Glenwood Fire Company. After retiring from the NYPD, he re-joined his Teamsters Union Local 282 and also started riding Harley Davidsons. Carolyn’s favorite family vacation was when they drove across Ireland and in particular visiting the small village of Fethard in Tipperary County where her grandmother was born. The McGillicuddys have been parishioners of St. Patrick’s for over 19 years. Carolyn volunteers her time with organizations that have included the St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, the Nassau County FEIS, the St. Christopher’s Toy Run, The Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving Dinner, and at The Feast of St. Rocco.
Carolyn is a dedicated educator who has taught all elementary grades in her 22-year tenure with the Baldwin School District. In addition to being a union representative for the building, Carolyn is an active member of the mentoring program in the district, enabling her to work closely with at- risk children who benefit from positive role models in their lives. Carolyn is a lifelong learner. She has earned two Master’s Degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction and one in Teaching Literacy, and holds an Advanced Masters Certificate in Children’s Literature.
Carolyn joined the LAOH, Division 8 in 2014 and was soon encouraged to take an officer position. She served as President in 2018 and 2019. Five new members joined the division while Carolyn served as President. She is currently serving as Treasurer, and as the appointed Freedom for All Ireland Officer for Nassau County.
In her first Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Carolyn and her kids were excited to help carry the giant shamrock balloon while Tom marched with the Fire Department. This year she is honored to march in 2022 as an Aide to the Grand Marshal, Gerry Herbert along with Aide to the Grand Marshal Eric Hill.
