GySgt. Sullivan named parade marshal

Date: 12/10/2015

SPRINGFIELD  – The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is honoring the late Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan by designating him as the parade marshal for the 2016 Springfield contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The announcement of the parade marshal, as well as the other annual awards, was made by the committee at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club on Dec. 5.

The committee’s President Kerri Sullivan said of Sullivan, “Tommy was born and raised in Springfield and he grew up in East Forest Park section. He proudly attended Holy Cross School and Cathedral High School where he played football. Tommy holds a degree in Criminal Justice from the American Military University. Tommy loved his community and country so much that he decided to enroll in the United States Marines. Tommy joined the Marines on Sept. 2, 1997 and earned the title of Gunnery Sargent on Oct. 1, 2011. While serving our country, Tommy completed two tours in Iraq and was recently was deployed to Korea. Tommy’s had a very decorated military career which includes: A National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Recruiting Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Medal.

“He is also the five times recipient of the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, four time the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the two time recipient of the Purple Heart which was awarded for his two tours in Iraq.”

She added, “Tommy also loved his community and his family. Often times while home from deployment, Tommy would go speak to student at Holy Cross School. He would tell the students about his job in the military and would also speak about how much he loved his country and family. Having been one of those students he spoke to, I truly know how much he loved doing what he did.”

Sullivan concluded, “He truly is a homegrown hero. Not only is he a symbol of how much is loved his Irish Heritage, he is true American hero.”

Receiving The John and Agnes Burke Award was Phil Hanrahan. The award is presented annually in memory of both John and Agnes Burke for their lifelong commitment and support to their Irish heritage.

Sullivan said, “Phil was born in a little village near Kilmaine in County Mayo, Ireland.  She is the oldest of nine children.  She has been a member of the Parade Committee for several years and currently serves as recording secretary. Phil retired from the Law Offices of William J. Fennell four years ago and since her retirement has been a very active volunteer at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, which includes the SIDS Road Race, The Irish Music Festival, The Breakfast Committee, The Honor Guard and other fundraising events.  She is an active member of Mary’s Church in Hampden where she serves as a Eucharistic minister.  Phil is also a member of the Scholarship Committee and the Hampden Senior Center, as well as assisting elderly neighbors with meals and transportation.  However, her greatest joy are her six grandchildren who are the light of her life.”

Joey, Billy and Laurie Christofori received the Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award, which is presented to a person or business that is not a member of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee but has given outstanding service to the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee as well as the city of Springfield.  

Sullivan noted, “The Christofori siblings grew up on Hungry Hill in Springfield and lived across the street from the Fitzgerald, the Garvey, The Cahillane and Quinn families.  Laurie, Joey and Billy were baptized and made their First Holy Communion at Mount Carmel Church and attended Mount Carmel School. However, on weekends they always attended Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Hope Church.  

“Laurie is retired from the city of Springfield School Department and had worked at many venues, including the Van Horn Spa. She currently does private catering.

“Joey works in the film industry as a cinematographer and splits his time between Boston and Springfield.  As most of you know he is the creator of Hungry Hill Home of the Irish website which can also be viewed on Facebook.  He has created many beautiful T-shirts depicting Hungry Hill and has helped the O’Brien Brothers organize their pub tours and trips to Ireland.  

“Billy is married to his wife Doreen and they have two sons, Dante and Joey.  He is employed at Hampden County House of Correction and is very active in youth sports including baseball and hockey.”

Realtor Dot Lortie received the Paul Caron Award.   

Sullivan said, “Dot was born in Agawam and has resided in Springfield since 1949. She is the daughter of the late Christina Driscoll and John Cartello. Her Irish roots stem from County Kerry where her mother is from.

“Dot Lortie has played a prominent role in the Springfield community for many years. She presently maintains an active real estate career, owner of Lortie Realty she is a leader in the local real estate market and consistently receives the annual President’s Gold/Silver award from the realtor association of Pioneer Valley.”

Sullivan added, “Dot is married to Leo, a retired captain of the Springfield Fire Department. She has two children: Steve a retired lieutenant of the Springfield Fire Department and presently in real estate with his mom and Lee owner of Lortie Building and Home Improvements.”