Mark joined the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, Inc. in January 1969 under the sponsorship of Dr. Francis M. Baker.  Mark is a Lifetime member and still continues to serve and work hard.

Mark was awarded the Daniel J. Gallivan Award in 1982 which highlights his efforts that have contributed significantly to the success of the Parade. As Parade President in 2001, he presided over the 50^thAnnual Parade.  Mark has chaired or served on every subcommittee, in particular chairing the “Party after the Parade.”<

No one can put a candle to Mark when it comes to music trivia or his love for the New York Giants! As a result of the merger of St. Jerome’s, Sacred Heart and Rosary High Schools, Mark had the distinction of being a member of the 1964 graduating class from the newly formed Holyoke Catholic High School.

Mark has been married to Jean (MacIver) O’Brien for 40 years.  Mark’s sister, Anne Marie O’Brien Hegy was the 1971 Grand Colleen.  In addition, he has a brother Daniel J. O’Brien of Holyoke and a sister Carol O’Brien Masciadrelli from Feeding Hills.

The consummate “Behind the Scenes Worker,” a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, and the Mt. Holyoke Regatta are a few of the volunteer efforts close to his heart.

Mark was a long standing member and Past President of the “Crosstown Friends Scholarship Basketball Game,” which awarded many scholarships to graduates of both Holyoke Catholic and Holyoke High School

The parade committee is proud to have Mark O’Brien as one of our own, and he feels honored to be a member of this outstanding organization.