Barbara Quigley Barba was a longtime Oak Park resident who co-chaired the parade's Art & Essay Contest beginning in 1997. A kindergarten teacher in the Elwood School District in Suffolk County, this devoted wife and mother managed to be a tireless volunteer with the Lions Club, Queens Flag Day Committee and the Parade. Barbara never lost focus. She said her favorite memory was, "Having my boys and watching them grow up." When asked what was her biggest challenge, she replied, “People need to remember that Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial first day of summer.” Barbara passed away in a tragic home accident on August 25, 2016 and she is sorely missed by everyone who knew her.
We memorialize her in our contest.
This year, our Art & Essays Contests are being funded through a generous donation from Alvin and Rochelle Dunaisky, in honor of the late Rod O'Connell, who is remembered by many as "The Mayor of Douglaston," and in his mint green fin back convertible, as a fixture in the Memorial Day Parade.
Gerard (Rod) O’Connell lived in the same house in Douglaston for over 40 years. He started his career as a realtor at the Bryce Rea family, and through his panache and passion to sell homes in the area, he rose to be an owner and broker of record with Bryce Rea Associates.
Rod‘s life encompassed all aspects of our Little Neck-Douglaston community. He was involved with PS 98, St. Anastasia, Holy Cross High School, Community Church of Douglaston Theater, Lions Club, Visiting Nurse Service, Douglaston Civic Association and more.
Because Rod so loved Theater and the Arts and felt so strongly that we had to teach youngsters the importance of honoring our Armed Forces, Alvin and Rochelle Dunaisky are proud to make this generous donation in his name.
In memory of our late friend, this year's Grand Prizes for the Arts & Essays Contests are now the Rod O'Connell Awards.
Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors and donors who make this day a success
and especially
THANK YOU VETERANS FOR MAKING THIS DAY POSSIBLE
THE 2019 LINE OF MARCH -- UNDER CONSTRUCTION
VISIT OUR SPONSOR AND DONOR PAGES -- SUPPORT THOSE WHO MAKE OUR PARADE POSSIBLE
Special thanks to City Entertainment Services Inc for audio and stage equipment
THE PARADE COMMITTEE MEETS AT
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF LITTLE NECK
46-16 LITTLE NECK PARKWAY, LITTLE NECK, NY 11362
Email info@lndmemorialday.org to learn more
DON'T MISS THE POST-PARADE FESTIVITIES IN DIVINE WISDOM ACADEMY SCHOOLYARD - STARTS AS THE FIRST MARCHING GROUPS ENTER!
Free refreshments before the closing ceremonies
(we reserve the right to limit quantities to the general public)
JOIN THE TEAM. VOLUNTEER FOR A PARADE DAY CREW. WE NEED HELP WITH SET UP AND BREAKDOWN, HOSPITALITY AND TRANSPORT.