The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
PASSION FOR PADDY’S DAY PARADE FILLS CITY
Last November, William “Bill” Homan and his wife, Patricia, decided to do the town, and headed to Playhouse Square to watch an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables.”
That’s when Bill got the text asking if he could return communication during intermission.
He did, asking how he could be of service.
The message hit him like a ton of bricks, but in a good way. Her interest piqued, Patricia asked Bill what was up.
“They asked me if I would like to be grand marshal for the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day parade,” he told her, modestly, adding that it was already a done deal in his mind.
“I was unaware of the nomination, but she knew, and so did my daughter, Erin. They just feigned surprise when I told them because they had to keep it a secret.”
And it was certainly no secret who the grand marshal was March 17, as dozens of individuals and organizations representing the Irish community gathered at Superior Avenue and E. 18th Street to assemble for the parade’s kick-off, led by Homan.
Even before the official launch, Homan, who’s lived in Willoughby for 42plus years, has continued to be “flabbergasted” by his being chosen by people and associations he reveres.
“It’s probably the greatest honor one in the Irish Community of the Western
"I’m especially pleased to serve as grand marshal, as we are dedicating the parade to the late Billy Carney, a very close friend of mine.” —Bill Homan, grand marshal for the parade
Reserve can have bestowed upon them,” he said. He said it was truly humbling to be picked out of the whole Irish community.
“And this year, I’m especially pleased to serve as grand marshal, as we are dedicating the parade to the late Billy Carney, a very close friend of mine and a past marshal (2006) and former executive director of United Irish Societies of Greater Cleveland.”
A graduate of St. Ignatius High School and Cleveland State University, Homan is a member of numerous Irish organizations and also a founding member of the Irish American Club – East Side, where he served as president from 1980 to 1982. He established a committee to acquire a permanent home for the club in Euclid in 1981, which still serves as the group’s home today.
In 1988, he was honored as the Lake County Irishman of the Year.
In 1999, Homan was honored as the Irish American Club – East Side Member of the Year. He’s continued to serve on multiple boards through the years and has received numerous honors from regional Irish organizations.
While all the recognition and accolades remain relevant for Homan, the honor of finally leading the festivities fervently links the past to the present, as he’s been attending the celebration since he was a kid.
“It’s hard to fathom, especially since I’ve been marching in the parade for 41 years. I get choked up sometimes when I get asked about how I feel about it, but it’s been a whirlwind of emotions, activities, and a lot of fun.
“And to this day, I have no idea what the second half of the play was about — it’s the last thing I’ve been thinking about,” he laughed. “I guess you could say I’m still thrilled beyond belief.”