Conlan to lead Elm City’s annual parade

West Haven resident Joanne Marie Conlan named 2023 Grand Marshall for the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Conlan joined the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee in 2004, the year her daughter Moriah was Parade Queen.  Once Moriah was crowned, Joanne became a member of the “Queen Mum’s Club” which is one of her favorite roles! As a member of the parade committee for the past 19 years, Joanne has held multiple roles.  She was the parade chairwoman for three years, an unprecedented event due to the spread of Covid canceling the 2020 and 2021 parades. She also held the office of Parade Secretary and Chief-of-Staff. 

Before becoming a Parade Officer, Joanne held a variety of roles.  She was Chairwoman of the Parade Ball and Chairwoman of the Awards Committee.  She was a member of the following committees: Corned Beef Dinner, “100” Club, Shamrock Open Golf Tournament, Fashion Show, Irish Ball committee, Queen’s Competition committee, and other committees too numerous to mention.  

A proud member of the West Haven Irish-American Club for the past 26 years, Joanne served as Secretary, Vice-President, and held a four-year term as club President.  She is also a member of the Knights of St. Patrick, the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club/IACC, and the Irish Heritage Society of Milford.  In 2011, Joanne and Glenn were honored to be named “West Haven Irish Couple of the Year”. 

Conlan graduated from Southern Connecticut State University, and holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, as well as a sixth-year degree in Elementary Education.  She retired from teaching in 2019 but still finds her days extremely full. She keeps busy with her cookie business, participating on various committees, as well as spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite activities is spending time around the holidays with her husband Glenn volunteering as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Joanne has been married to her husband Glenn for 41 years, living in the same house in West Haven that Glenn grew up in.  They have two children; Glenn Jr (Nuris) and were predeceased by their daughter Moriah.  They have two grandchildren: Orlando, son of Nuris and Glenn Jr., and Declan, Moriah’s son.

The Greater New Haven Saint Patrick’s Day parade is New England’s premier Irish event. It is the largest single day, free spectator event in the state of Connecticut.

This year’s parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 12, stepping off at 1:30 p.m. from Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue continuing down Chapel Street toward the New Haven Green. The route turn left on to Church Street, down to Elm Street and disburses by Orange Street.