MICHAEL J. MORIARTY NAMED GRAND MARSHAL OF 73RD HOLYOKE ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
Respected community leader, lifelong Holyoke resident, and proud Irish American Attorney, Michael J. Moriarty, has been named Grand Marshal of the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. This honor, the highest bestowed by the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, recognizes a person of Irish ancestry who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the Parade, their community, their career, their family, and their heritage.
Moriarty’s connection to the Parade spans nearly four decades. A member of the Committee for 38 years, he served as Parade President in 2017 and has held pivotal roles including Chair of the Ambassador Award Selection Committee, Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and service on the Music and Marketing subcommittees and Board of Directors. As the Committee liaison to the Consulate General of Ireland, he has strengthened Holyoke’s ties to the Republic of Ireland by welcoming dignitaries, fostering cultural exchange, and ensuring the Parade reflects the richness of both traditional and contemporary Irish life.
“Michael Moriarty embodies the spirit of service, education, and community pride that the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade honors each year,” said Jim Wildman, Parade President. “His leadership at OneHolyoke CDC, his tireless advocacy for families and children, and his unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating Irish culture make him the perfect choice to lead us in 2026.”
“I am the grandson of a founding member of the Parade Committee, the son of a member and one -time Citizenship Award recipient, and have enjoyed being a member for decades,” said Moriarty. “This is a wonderful honor from an organization that's been important to my family for generations, I couldn't be more honored or grateful.”
Beyond the Parade, Moriarty has led OneHolyoke CDC since 2013, driving initiatives to revitalize distressed neighborhoods and expand access to dignified, affordable housing in the city’s most underserved areas.
A passionate advocate for education, he has focused much of his career on early literacy and closing achievement gaps in Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth. A former Holyoke School Committee member, he later served on the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, completing two terms before Governor Maura Healey appointed him as a state commissioner to the National Education Commission of the States.
Moriarty holds a B.A. from The Catholic University of America (’85) and a J.D. from Western New England University School of Law (’93).
His community involvement also includes serving as Past President of the Holyoke Rotary Club and as a member of the Parish Council at St. Jerome Church in Holyoke. Proud of his Irish roots, Moriarty credits his heritage with shaping his values of community service, hospitality, and perseverance. His dedication to his community and education earned him recognition as a BusinessWest “Difference Maker” in 2014.
He is married to Attorney Susan Turcotte Moriarty, and they are the parents of Aiden and Josie.
Michael J. Moriarty will be honored at the Grand Marshal’s Reception on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. For tickets, email Stephanie Joyce at stef0816@comcast.net.
