Bay Shore/Brightwaters St. Patrick's Day Parade

09/28/2026

☘️HALFWAY TO ST. PATTY’S!☘️

Last week, the Parade Committee gathered for its annual *Halfway to St. Patty’s Day* celebration — an informal kickoff to a new parade year and a beloved Committee tradition.

The event included the ritual “Passing of the Shillelagh” from the Parade’s outgoing Grand Marshal (GM) to their successor—a special ceremony held in the presence of past GMs in attendance.

This year, former GMs Angie Carpenter, Phil Boyle, Jack Finnerty, John Wahlberg, and Jack and Bobbi Baker were on hand to witness 2026 GM Denise Gibson pass the Shillelagh to her successor—and the Committee is proud to formally announce—2027 Grand Marshal GUY LEGGIO! ☘️🎉

A true icon of the BSBW community, Guy is a third-generation Bay Shore resident, U.S. Navy veteran, longtime Bay Shore Fire Department volunteer, educator and coach, and tireless community leader.

And, fittingly, as we all know so well, Guy is the longtime vibrant leader of the BSFD Marching Band on Parade Day.

Congratulations, Guy! This year you can lead us all down Main Street! ☘🇮🇪☘

06/28/2026

It is with profound sadness for the Parade Committee to announce the passing of our dear friend and 2019 Grand Marshal, Catherine "Catna" Cronin, who died peacefully on June 25, 2026, at the age of 97.

Catherine was a proud lifelong daughter of Bay Shore whose life was defined by faith, family, service, and an unwavering love of her Irish heritage. In 2019, she shared the honor of serving as Grand Marshal alongside her beloved sisters, Julia Costello and Mary Knapp, becoming one of the most cherished Grand Marshal families in our parade's history.

A graduate of St. Patrick's School and Bay Shore High School, Catherine raised her family in the community she loved and devoted her life to her Catholic faith, her family, and countless acts of service. Alongside her sisters, she volunteered for many years at St. Patrick's Church. The "Doddy Sisters" became beloved figures in Bay Shore, admired for their generosity, humility, and steadfast commitment to their church and community.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Catherine's extensive family and to all who knew and loved her. May she now be reunited with her beloved sisters and that their legacy carry on for generations.

Visitation: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
10:15 a.m.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church
Bay Shore

Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Parish Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
May her soul be at the right hand of God. ☘️

06/27/2026

It is with profound sadness that the Parade Committee announces the passing of our dear friend, Charles G. Hughes, Jr. (1943–2026), who died peacefully on Wednesday while surrounded by his loving family.

Charlie has been a part of the Parade Committee since its earliest days and honorably served as our Grand Marshal in 2011. A proud Irishman, he loved this parade and everything it represents—community, tradition, faith, family, and friendship.

A lifelong son of Bay Shore/Brightwaters, Charlie dedicated his life to serving the community he cherished. He was a two-term Mayor of the Village of Brightwaters and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southside Hospital. Prior to a long and distinguished career as a certified financial planner, Charlie served as a priest during his youth. Throughout Charlie's life, he gave generously of his time and talents to countless civic and charitable causes. Above all, Charlie was a devoted husband and father who proudly raised his family in Brightwaters.

Charlie was known his personable character—the life of the party, always bringing a smile to people's faces with his contagious laugh and smile. Charlie embodied the very spirit of our parade, and his legacy will continue to inspire our Committee and our community for generations to come.

Charlie will be deeply missed by all of us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Hughes family.

Visitation: Sunday, 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Chapey & Sons Funeral Home
West Islip

Funeral Mass: Monday, 9:45 a.m.
St. Patrick's Church
Bay Shore

For Charlie's full obituary, please visit: https://tributearchive.com/obituaries/48845691/charles-g-hughes-jr/west-islip/new-york/chapey-and-sons-funeral-home

May Charlie rest in eternal peace, and may the road rise to meet him. ☘️

04/05/2026

The Parade Committee wishes everyone a Happy Easter and Passover

03/17/2026

Here's some more great shots of Parade Day! ☘🇮🇪☘

03/17/2026

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh! 🇮🇪☘🇮🇪 Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

03/16/2026

☘Grand Marshal Monday☘

As we reflect on a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bay Shore, we extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s Grand Marshal, Denise Gibson.

Denise truly epitomized what a Grand Marshal should be — not only through her lifelong service and dedication to the Bay Shore community, but also in the grace, pride, and enthusiasm with which she embraced this year’s honor.

She served as an outstanding ambassador for the parade and an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of celebrating alongside her. Denise is a role model for our community, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership and friendship.

We wish her continued happiness and success, and thank her for making this year’s parade so special. ☘️🇮🇪

03/16/2026

The 2026 BSBW St. Patrick’s Day Parade was a tremendous success! While the weather was a wee bit mischievous and impish, Erin's sunshine broke through and the community showed up the Irish way. Main Street was flooded by a Sea of Kelly Green, and the Celtic energy and Gaelic spirit was felt from start to finish.

A heartfelt thank you to *everyone* who made the day possible — our parade participants, St. Patrick's Church, local organizations, volunteers, and the many members of the community who came out to celebrate with us. Your support is what makes this tradition so special each year! A special ☘Thank You☘ goes to the Third Precinct of the Suffolk County Police Department for their immense efforts in making this parade a possibility and keeping us all safe throughout the day.

Sláinte! Agus Míle Buíochas! (Health! And a Thousand Thanks!) ☘🇮🇪☘

03/15/2026

03/15/2026

Oh what a day!! ☘️