City Honors Grand Marshal Connelly

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “At the heart of the Irish-American community,” Jack Connelly, formerly of South Philadelphia, presided over the city’s St. Patrick’s Day ceremony and parade March 11. As biting winds blew, North Wildwood residents gathered in the Community Center gymnasium, resplendent in rich tartan patterns and 40 shades of green. 
Former president of the Cape May County Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Connelly and his wife Kathleen made North Wildwood their permanent home in 1995.
“In a shore community, everyone’s new,” said Kathleen, explaining their early involvement in the fledgling AOH organization.
According to Connelly, 35 members comprised the local AOH in the mid-1990s; its membership has grown to over 200.
Dedicated to preserving Irish culture and religion, the AOH donates to charitable organizations while serving the community.
When asked why he had been chosen as grand marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Connelly replied with a grin, “I don’t know, perhaps they ran out of names.”
Mayor Patrick Rosenello gave a more formal and complete reason at the ceremony. He praised Connelly as being “at the heart of the Irish-American community” in North Wildwood with his “loving wife, loving family, and welcoming to strangers.”
Connelly also helped Rosenello become involved in North Wildwood affairs after Rosenello’s return from Catholic University. According to Rosenello, Connelly was to preside as grand marshal at the 2016 parade but could not due to health. “Aged like a fine Irish whiskey,” Connelly returned for 2017.
A proclamation was presented to Connelly on behalf of the city, honoring years of service to North Wildwood and his family. Married for 58 years, the Connellys have three children and seven grandchildren.
Connelly thanked Rosenello for the “great honor” and also Kathleen and County Mayo, Ireland, from whence her family originated.
After the festivities had concluded, Kathleen told the Herald how “proud I am of my husband.” She was also thankful to the city. Kathleen also served as president of the Ladies AOH.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.