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Grand Marshal - Judy Higgins-Reardon
Judy Higgins-Reardon is a Youngstown native and the youngest daughter of Jack Higgins and the former Barbara Ockerman.
Judy’s family has played a key role in the parade since it began. The Ockerman Award is named in honor of Judy’s uncle, William "Bill" Ockerman a founding member of the parade. This prestigious award is given each year to a parade marshal and acknowledges their commitment, service and contributions to the parade and the local Irish community.
Judy graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1983 and later received the Distinguished Alumni of the Year award in 2017. Judy graduated from John Carroll University in 1987 before joining her father, Jack Higgins, in the family business as a licensed funeral director. Judy and her late husband, Terry Reardon, became the proprietors in 1999 and subsequently incorporated the Reardon name into the business's official name, Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes. Judy continues a family legacy by being the third generation to work at the funeral home, following the path of her father and grandfather.
In addition to her work, Judy is also involved in the community as a sustainer for the Junior League of the Mahoning Valley and served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Charles Church.
She has four children and 2 grandchildren.
Congratulations Judy! It is our honor to have you serve as the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Mahoning Valley St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Ockerman Award - Anthony "Bert" Wainio
Anthony (Bert) Wainio was born and raised in Liberty to parents, Josephine and William M Wainio, Jr. and is the youngest of eight children. Anthony’s Dad followed his father’s, William M Wainio, Sr, footsteps as a butcher at the “Wainio Food Market” on Walnut Street in Youngstown’s Smokey Hollow. Anthony and his siblings all went to Catholic school for 12 years. He attended elementary school at St Anthony in Brier Hill and then went to Ursuline High School where he graduated in 1983.
He married his high school sweetheart, Cyndi Rega in 1989 and they have been blessed with two children, Fr. William N. Wainio and Emily Wainio Beardman.
Bert, as he is known to his friends, grew up working in the family business then went into the aluminum extrusion business for more than 35 years. He is currently employed at Valley Industrial Trucks.
Parishioners of St Catherine of Siena (St Luke) parish, practicing their Catholic faith is at the forefront of Bert & Cyndi’s relationship – always trying to give of their time and talent to give back to the community. They also enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and in the Summer months, enjoying their camper in Geneva.
Bert truly enjoys working on cars by building his own and assisting others who need it. He also has a great love of music from big bands to hard rock & roll. His other passion is food – preparing & cooking, as well as eating and enjoying ! All these traits that he learned from the family values he was born into.
Anthony is a Past Grand Knight and member of the Knights of Coumbus Bishop Malone Council 12756, where is currently the Financial Secretary. He was a former District Deputy for Youngstown District 61 and is the current Faithful Navigator of the Fr. Corby Assembly 3137. He is also a member of St Luke Holy Name Society, American Legion, and Catholic War Vets.
Anthony has been a volunteer for the St Partick’s Day parade for too many years to name and is truly honored to accept this award.
Lord Mayor of Kilkenny – Burke School of Irish Dance
The Burke School of Irish Dance has proudly served the Mahoning Valley for over 60 years and is now celebrating its 61st year of excellence. Founded in 1965, the school stands as one of the area’s most established and competitive Irish dance programs.
In partnership with its sister school, Burke Cleveland, the program maintains strong ties to one of the most respected Irish dance traditions in the region. Tessie Burke travels from Cleveland to Youngstown weekly to teach and mentor students, sharing decades of championship-level knowledge and experience. The depth of insight she brings to each class reflects a lifetime dedicated to the highest standards of Irish dance, and her legacy continues to actively shape today’s dancers.
The Burke School is a highly competitive program, consistently sending dancers to regional and national competitions, with qualifiers advancing to compete at the World Championships year after year. Excellence is not occasional. It is expected.
Classes begin with our youngest dancers in our toddler program, where children are first introduced to rhythm, movement, and Irish tradition, and continue through high school. Students may begin at any age, and it is never too late to start Irish dance. Whether stepping onto the stage for the first time or training at the championship level, Burke dancers carry forward a proud 61-year tradition of strength, precision, and Irish pride.
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