The Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade is proud to announce Roxbury resident Michael G. Bannon as its 2026 Grand Marshal.

Bannon was born and raised in Rockaway Township, where he learned the value of service at an early age. His parents, Edward and Emma, were World War II veterans, and his grandfather George was a motorcycle police officer in Essex County.

Bannon traces his Irish roots to his paternal great-grandfather William, who was born at sea during the family’s flight from Ireland’s Great Hunger. His forebears are believed to hail from County Tipperary.

The Grand Marshal-Elect said he is grateful for his selection, and can’t wait until the parade steps off at noon on Saturday, March 14. He will lead the march alongside his children, Danielle Krause and Ryan Bannon, and siblings Richard, Bruce, Patricia and Mary.

“I’m honored and, frankly, overwhelmed by the response from family, friends and so many well-wishers,” he said.

Carrying on his family’s tradition of volunteerism, Bannon has forged a notable record of service in the local Irish American community and throughout Morris County.

He is a member and former president of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Morris County and the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey, and has been a highly active parade volunteer for 35 years.

Bannon also established the annual cleanup of Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, an abandoned graveyard in Upper Hibernia that is the final resting place of 19th and early 20th-century iron miners.

A former Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 359, he has served as the council’s ambassador to ARC Morris and as Vice Board Chairman for the DAWN Center for Independent Living.

He retired from the private security industry, where he worked in management and sales, and lives in Landing.

Parade Publicity Coordinator Mike Leavy commented on Bannon’s selection: “Mike’s passion for Irish culture and his dedication to the parade make this a long overdue honor,” Leavy said. “We can’t wait to march behind him in Morristown.”

The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County will step off from South Street in Morristown at noon on March 14. Please go to www.paradeday.com for news and upcoming events.

Contact info@paradeday.com or (973) 800-2709 with questions or requests.