Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick celebrate, honor members at annual banquet March 17

PLAINS TWP. — The Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick held its 102nd annual banquet on Thursday, March 17 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort.

The event featured a cocktail hour, ceremonial march with bagpipers, dinner and an awards presentation. Toastmaster of the banquet was John W. Cosgrove, executive director of the AllOne Foundation & Charities, and keynote speaker was U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright. Attorney Gerard Langan served as general chairman for the banquet.

Pittston native Bill Burke, a history teacher at Scranton Prep, was named the Swingle Award recipient for 2016. Joseph Heffers, of Port Griffith and a past president of the organization, was named the Man of the Year. Avoca resident Thomas F. Quinnan received the annual Achievement Award.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright delivers the keynote address at the 102nd anniversary banquet of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick on Thursday.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_PSD032016FriendlySons_6.jpgU.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright delivers the keynote address at the 102nd anniversary banquet of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick on Thursday. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

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Members of the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band play during the ceremonial march at the 102nd anniversary banquet of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick at the Woodlands Inn in Plains Township on Thursday night.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_PSD032016FriendlySons_1.jpgMembers of the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band play during the ceremonial march at the 102nd anniversary banquet of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick at the Woodlands Inn in Plains Township on Thursday night. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Man of the Year Joseph Heffers, center, poses with his grandsons Max Gregor, 10, left, and Declan Gregor, 7.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_PSD032016FriendlySons_2.jpgGreater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Man of the Year Joseph Heffers, center, poses with his grandsons Max Gregor, 10, left, and Declan Gregor, 7. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Tenor Frank Spencer sings an Irish song during the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick annual banquet.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_PSD032016FriendlySons_3.jpgTenor Frank Spencer sings an Irish song during the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick annual banquet. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Mayor Jason Klush offers remarks at the Freindly Sons of St. Patrick banquet.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_PSD032016FriendlySons_4.jpgPittston Mayor Jason Klush offers remarks at the Freindly Sons of St. Patrick banquet. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Swingle Award winner William P. Burke II, left, and Achievement Award winner Thomas F. Quinnan listen to remarks at the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick banquet at the Woodlands Inn in Plains Township on Thursday night.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_PSD032016FriendlySons_5.jpgSwingle Award winner William P. Burke II, left, and Achievement Award winner Thomas F. Quinnan listen to remarks at the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick banquet at the Woodlands Inn in Plains Township on Thursday night. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch