NORTHAMPTON — Tony Ryan has been many things over the past 50 years — a special education teacher, a youth soccer coach, a beekeeper, a marathon runner and a teacher of transcendental meditation.

Now Ryan can add one more thing to his resume: parade marshal. The longtime Florence resident will lead the Northampton contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade next month.

The marshal title is given every year by the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association to a Northampton resident of Irish descent who has distinguished themselves through civic or career contributions, according to the association. Ryan has been affiliated with the group since the 1970s.

“Tony is a dedicated member of the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association and the Northampton community,” the association stated in a release announcing the awards. “Tony is also deeply committed to Northampton St. Pat’s mission of sharing Irish culture with the community.”

Ryan, who traces his family origins to Ireland’s County Tipperary, is well-versed in Irish history and culture, having visited the country nine times. He gave a talk to the association last September titled “We Are Who We Were” that traced the Irish people’s history back to the Neolithic age.

“I look to pre-St. Patrick, and basically the mythology around Ireland,” Ryan said in an interview. “When I’ve been to Ireland, I visit all the ruins, visit the castles, try to take historical walks … I’m interested in all things Irish.”

In his day-to-day life, Ryan serves as a youth soccer coach, teaches GED courses at the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, keeps bees in his yard, and has competed in 25 marathons, including 11 Boston Marathons. He’s also a teacher of transcendental meditation, having begun the practice more than 50 years ago.

“Meditation is something that my wife and I started together in 1970,” he said. “We became teachers of transcendental meditation in 1971, and have basically meditated every day since.”

Jekanowski honored

The association also announced the winner of its James Brennan Award, given out every year to a member of the association who “has actively committed their time and efforts in helping the association carry out its goals.” This year’s award winner was Harry Jekanowski, Superior Court clerk for Hampshire County.

Although he’s of Polish descent, the association cited Jekanowski’s role as Santa Claus in the Florence Holiday parade and his court work as reasons behind the award.

“I’m kind of shocked at receiving this award, to be honest,” Jekanowski said. “I’m extremely honored and humbled to receive it. I had no idea it was coming.”

Ryan and Jekanowski will be officially proclaimed as Marshal and Brennan awards winners at the annual Marshal’s Dinner, which will be held on March 4 at The Roosevelt Room at Union Station Banquets. Tickets are available at irishofnorthampton@gmail.com or by contacting any member of the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association.

Additionally, the association has honored two students with awards this year: Kaitlyn Nowak with the James M. Diggins Award for her volunteer work, and Jacob Furtaw with the William O’Connor Shanachie Award for his sense of humor.

The 70th St. Patrick’s Parade will be held on Sunday, March 19, and the 46th St. Patrick’s Road Race will be held on Saturday, March 18. For more information, visit holyokestpatricksparade.com.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.

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