MORRIS COUNTY — The St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County has selected Walter Hansberry, longtime manager of the Grand Café in Morristown, to serve as its Parade Starter.
At noon on Saturday, March 13, Hansberry will cut a green ribbon spanning South Street at the head of the parade route in Morristown. That will clear the way for what is likely to be more than 3,000 marchers who will begin the annual procession honoring Ireland’s patron saint and the Irish American community.
The role of parade starter is given to someone who has shown a longtime commitment to both Irish America and Morris County, according to a press release from parade organizers.
“Walter is a familiar and beloved presence in our community,” said Carl Stopper, president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County, Inc. “He has been a steadfast supporter of the parade and countless Irish events. His welcoming personality, generosity and genuine love of Irish culture have made him a true friend to all.”
A native of Dungarvan in Ireland’s County Waterford, Hansberry attended the world-renowned Rockwell Hotel and Catering School in County Tipperary. After graduation, he advanced his hospitality career in Europe for several years before immigrating to the United States.
Stateside, he worked with his brother Edward, founder and proprietor of the Parsippany Deli and Emerald Gifts, and was an early member of the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. In 1987, he joined the Grand Café in Morristown, which was established by fellow Irish immigrants Desmond and Alice Lloyd.
Hansberry said he loves the hustle and bustle of providing for the many guests who pack the Grand Café on Parade Day.
“Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger,” he said. “We make sure the staff is here before they start closing down the streets. Then the crowds come and the pipe bands not long after. Sometimes it’s shoulder to shoulder. The whole day is full-blown excitement.”
