Second time’s the charm: John Hyland to lead 2016 Morris St. Patrick’s Parade

John P. Hyland will lead the 2015 Morris County St. Patrick's Parade as grand marshal. Photo courtesy of the parade committee.
John P. Hyland will lead the 2015 Morris County St. Patrick's Parade as grand marshal. Photo courtesy of the parade committee.
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Video: John Hyland on the comeback trail

By Kevin Coughlin

Looks like the second time is the charm for John Hyland, who has been named Grand Marshal of the 2016 Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade.

He had to step down last year to prepare for a bone marrow transplant.

John P. Hyland will lead the 2015 Morris County St. Patrick's Parade as grand marshal. Photo courtesy of the parade committee.
John P. Hyland will lead the 2016 Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade as grand marshal. Photo courtesy of the parade committee.

“My family and I are so excited about leading this year’s Morris County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. I can’t understate my appreciation to the Parade Trustees for selecting me for such an honor,” Hyland, 48, told MorristownGreen.com.

While he still must deal with some health issues, the good news is that there is no sign of cancer, he said.

“I’m feeling pretty good–  I’m blessed and have no complaints,” said the Morristown native.

Hyland ran a 5K in Morris Township in May, just one month after receiving the transplant. The former marathoner and Iron Man triathlete offered encouragement to others with leukemia, telling MG:

“Never give up. There’s always a chance. You have to have hope. And I think what gets you through times like this, for me, is the people around you, and community and family. That’s it. I couldn’t do it without everybody.”

Kristin and John Hyland celebrate "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day." Photo courtesy of John Hyland
Kristin and John Hyland celebrate “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day.” Photo courtesy of John Hyland

Hyland has raised more than $1 million for cancer research since he was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 2010. He organized Morristown’s Light the Night fund-raising event, and was honored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with its Community Leadership Award.

In March he will follow in the footsteps of his mom, former Morris Township Mayor  Kathleen Ginty Hyland, who led the parade in 1998.  His late father, former Morris Freeholder Patric Hyland, was a founder and president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

A managing partner of the Private Advisor Group, John Hyland also serves as treasurer for the parade and is a past finance chairman.  He resides in the Township with his wife Kristin and children Kieran, Patric and Kelsey.

“The Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade Trustees are proud and honored to have such a distinguished Irishman lead the St. Patrick’s Day parade down South Street in Morristown on Saturday March 12th, 2016,” Jeff Rawding, president of the parade board of trustees, said Thursday in a statement.

SCENES FROM THE 2015 MORRIS ST. PATRICK’S PARADE

John Hyland approaches the finish line at Celebrate Morris Township 5K with his wife Kristin and daughter Kelsey. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
John Hyland approaches the finish line at Celebrate Morris Township 5K with his wife Kristin and daughter Kelsey in May 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

 

 

 

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