WHEREAS, Barney Boyce was born and raised in Mallymore, Milford-County Donegal. He came to the United States in 1957 and was drafted into the US Army the following year, serving in Germany until 1960; and
WHEREAS, Barney and his wife Carmel married in 1965 and settled in Upper Darby. They raised 6 children in the environment of Irish culture, with Irish music and dance receiving the highest priority in their children’s activities. Barney owned and operated his own roofing company to support his family, a job he held until his retirement in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Barney and Carmel are extremely devoted members of the Irish community. They have dutifully served in a number of Irish organizations, including long time membership in the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and as board members of the Commodore Barry Club. Barney has been a member of the Danny Browne AOH Division #80 for over 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Barney and the Boyce family have been recognized for their contributions to the Irish Community, being inducted into the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored by the Saint Patrick’s Day Observance Association in their Ring of Honor in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Barney and Carmel’s children and 19 grandchildren carry on the tradition of Irish culture through music, dancing and sports, a reflection of Barney and Carmel’s dedication to the Irish community that spans five decades; and
WHEREAS, In addition to recognizing Barney’s distinction of as serving as Grand Marshal of this parade, the Ring of Honor this year will also include Jude Conroy, Gerard Dillon, John Dougherty, Sr., Robert Heenan, Michael Meehan, Thomas O’Donnell, and Philadelphia Police Officers Patrick Boyle, Robert Hurst, James Lennox, William Maye, Edward Miller, Edward Monaghan, and Joseph Sullivan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate Barney Boyce as Grand Marshal of the 247th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Barney Boyce, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body.
End