1999 Glen Cove St. Patrick's Day Parade

Grand Marshal Jack Irwin

John Joseph Irwin -- known as Jack to everyone, is one of Long Island’s most popular Irish Americans, and with very good reason.  Jack is a native Long Islander (born in Brooklyn) who recently retired after a 38-year career with Merrill Lynch.  "Retired" is really not the right word -- Jack is busier than ever with his wide range of charitable, fraternal, business, political, and religious activities.  He is a man on the go!

For example, in addition to serving as Special Assistant to Governor Pataki for Irish Affairs, Jack Irwin is Chairman of the Metropolitan Council of the AOH and served for eight years as President of Division 14 (Lynbrook), Nassau County President for four years and New York State President.  His memberships include The Friendly Sons; Friends of Tara Circle; Americans for a New Irish Agenda; Irish Immigration Working Committee; Nassau County Knights of Columbus; Irish-American Society of Nassau County; Holy Name Society; County Limerick Society; Irish Americans in Government; Irish American Republicans.

As if all that’s not enough, Jack also serves as an Officer in the New York Guard, Irish Brigade and he is a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre!

Jack is not only a member of many Irish-American and civic organizations, but is an active worker and tireless leader -- his responsibilities include: Director, Professional Children’s School (NYC); Director, Emerald Isle Immigration Center; Vice Chairman, Irish American Heritage Museum; Director, Irish Youth Team.

He was responsible for coordinating the adoption of the McBride Principles and the McBride Contract Compliance Act for both New York City and New York State and is a member of the Joe Doherty National Committee.  He has also played an active role in the AOH Morrison Visa program and served as AOH Chairman of Immigration for six years.

In his early years, Jack was a child actor, appearing in Broadway Theatre (Life with Father), as well as in movies and radio.  He is a Korean War Veteran.

Jack and Ws wife Mary Ann (Reilly) have four children -- Donna, Brian, Jacqueline and Jeff -- and seven grandchildren (Michelle, Jennifer James, Patrick, Jillian, Ryan and Christina.