By Bill Donahue
John “Jack” McKee, a resident of the Port Richmond Section of Philadelphia, has been chosen as the grand marshal of the 2008 Mt. Holly St Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade, in its fourth year, is quickly becoming one of the premier Irish events in the Delaware Valley. Jack is excited to be leading the parade down High Street this year as the parade’s grand marshal.
Jack was born and raised in Philadelphia and he grew up in a very supportive Irish household. Jack has always been involved in Irish organizations for as long as he can recall. In fact, I truly believe the first words he spoke were the lyrics to “Boys of the Old Brigade.” Jack has been a very influential and driving figure within the tri-state Irish community for years.
Jack is following in the footstep of some great individuals who have preceded him as grand marshal, including “Irish” Billy Briggs and Ed Kelly, one of the founders of the Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Observance Association.
Jack is a graduate of North Catholic and is married to his lovely wife Carina and has two sons, Brendan and Erik, along with two daughters, Victoria and Nicole. Jack is a longtime employee of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
He was the vice president of the Irish American String Band in 2007 and led the string band up the street in the 2008 Mummers parade. Jack has also been very influential in the Irish music scene. Jack has been the lead singer of two local Irish bands, Dicey Riley and his current band The Shantys. His amazing ability to retain Irish song lyrics makes for a great fit as a front man. Jack has a great love of Irish music and he enjoys keeping the tradition and history alive. In fact, Jack sees this as his duty.
He also heavily supports AOH endeavors and Project Children. Jack, along with The Shantys, has played numerous charity gigs all over the tri-state area for many noble causes. Jack donates much of his time to assist with these great causes. If someone weere to ask what was Jack’s driving force it would be to help out others in need.
Whether it is playing at a benefit or simply volunteering at the door, he can always be found helping out in one way or another. He is also an active member of AOH div. 61 and was highly involved in the Irish Relief Association founded by his late brother Dennis McKee.
Jack is the guy that everyone seems to know or wants to know, he is the life of the party. His music and energy can fill up the room with laughter and happiness. He is truly one of the leading voices in Irish music in Philadelphia today.
Bill Donahue is a member of the Philadelphia Irish Band The Shantys, as well as a member of AOH Division 61.
