Citizenship Award
The Citizenship Award is presented to a person or organization that may be of non-Irish descent that has made substantial contributions to the Parade and/or the Parade Committee.
2024 Citizenship Award Recipient: Billy Harbilas
Billy Harbilas, a native of Holyoke, is renowned for his enduring impact on the local running scene. With over 50 years of involvement both as a participant and an organizer, Billy has become a respected figure in the running world.
His career, spanning several decades at Northeast Utilities and culminating as a Hydroelectric Station Operator at Cobble Mountain for Holyoke Gas & Electric, demonstrates his professional dedication. He also serves as a senior member of the Holyoke Water Works Commission, contributing his expertise to the community.
Billy's role in orchestrating key running events, such as Holyoke’s “Talking Turkey” XC Run, the “Power of Horses” 5K Run/Walk benefiting the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and his 30-year tenure with the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, highlights his extensive experience and passion for the sport.
His personal achievements in running are noteworthy, having participated in major marathons including Boston, New York, Chicago, and Honolulu. This athletic prowess led to his induction into the inaugural class of the Western Massachusetts Runners Hall of Fame.
Billy resides in Holyoke with his wife Sally Rohan, granddaughter of Thomas F. Rohan, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade's first Grand Marshal, along with their two English Springer Spaniels, Nick and Penny.
Recognized as the 57th recipient of the Citizenship Award, Billy Harbilas continues to exemplify the spirit of community and dedication that defines the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race.
Past Citizenship Award Recipients
1966 Leo J. Simard*
1967 Michael X. Andrews*
1968 Samuel Resnic*
1969 Robert E. Barrett*
1970 Robert K. Steiger*
1971 Fernando “Pat” Paradis*
1972 William Dwight*
1973 Eugene P. Tamburi*
1974 Wayne Alderman*
1975 Edna Williams*
1976 Louis J. Ryback*
1977 Lawrence A. Graham*
1978 Frank H. Cataldo*
1979 R. Robert Grenier*
1980 Robert H. Bourassa*
1981 Jack and Charlie Kramer*
1982 Donald N. Lafrennie*
1983 Frank A. Banks*
1984 Benjamin H. Marcus
1985 Nicholas Cosmos*
1986 Leo W. Simard*
1987 John V. Czelusniak*
1988 William Dwight, Jr.*
1989 Warren A. Rhoades*
1990 Congressman Silvio O’Conte*
1991 William L. Putnam*
1992 Shriners of the Melha Temple
1993 Oscar* and Christopher Bail
1994 Michael A. Zwirko
1995 Holyoke Gas & Electric Department
1996 Congressman John Olver*
1997 Joseph D. LoBello*
1998 Peter Picknelly, Sr.*
1999 Holyoke Department of Public Works Employees
2000 Dr. Harold R. Ratchford*
2001 Sr. Joan A. Ryziewicz
2002 John E. Kane
2003 Michael Corduff, Lawrence Perreault and Peter Rosskothen
2004 David G. Healey
2005 Michael J. Burke*
2006 Hank J. Porten
2007 Sheriff Michael J. Ashe, Jr.
2008 Holyoke Police, Auxiliary Police and Fire Departments
2009 Tommy Leonard*
2010 Barbara C. Bernard*
2011 Thomas P. Moriarty, Jr.*
2012 Massachusetts State Police, Troop B
2013 Douglas A. Bowen
2014 Bob Cameron
2015 Dan Kane
2016 Dinn Bros. Inc., the “Trophy People”
2017 Irma Perez Gourde
2018 Paul Hogan*
2019 Joe Weisse
2020 - 2022 Eileen Curran
2023 - Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band
* Denotes Deceased