Grand Marshal
Very Reverend Michael G. Ward
Michael Gregory Ward was born and raised in Westfield, NJ. After graduating from Union Catholic High School, Father Mike enrolled in Drew University. Upon graduating, Father Mike worked for Merrill Lynch, Co. for five years before joining Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, NJ.
After 5 years of priestly formation, Father Mike was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ by His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, then, Archbishop of Newark.
Father Mike was assigned to St. Cecilia Parish as a Parochial Vicar in the fall of 1997. In January 2003, Father Mike was appointed as the Administrator to St. Cecilia's and in September 2003, Newark Archbishop John J. Myers appointed Father Mike Pastor of St. Cecilia's.
In addition to his Parish duties, Father Mike is the Chaplain of St. Cecilia's Knights of Columbus #6928 and is the Chaplain of the Kearny Fire Department.
Father Mike is also the Dean of Priests for the West Hudson Deanery of the Archdiocese of Newark, which affords him the title of Very Reverend.
Father Mike is the youngest of 9 children.
Deputy Grand Marshals
Maggie Millar
Maggie was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1962, settling in Bayridge, NY. She was married to Peter Millar in 1969.
Mrs. Millar was a homemaker until the mid 1980's when she began working at the Irish Quality Shop in Kearny, NJ. During this time, Mrs. Millar also helped to run her family's business, Millar Sheetmetal Co. Mrs. Millar became the owner of the Irish Quality Shop of Kearny, NJ in July 2004.
Len Mackesy
Len Mackesy was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. He graduated from Hudson Catholic High School, recieved a Bachelor's Degree from Jersey City University, and a Master's Degree from Rutgers University. He and his wife Jane have two children, Gregory & Jeanette.
Mr. Mackesy was the Deputy Chief of the Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department and responded to the World Trade Center disaster in the 9/11 Attack. He helped to rescue thousands and recover victims. He retired form P.A.P.D. in January 2005. Currently, he is the Corporate Vice President of Security for New York Life.
Mr. Mackesy is an ordained Deacon at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Kearny, NJ