Not since 1956 has the annual Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick held the annual St. Patrick’s Dinner at Pittston. In 2025, the dinner will be back in the city at The Banks Waterfront venue. Shown in the photo are members of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons along with Keven Kearney of The Banks, center left, and Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo, center right, stand at The Banks Waterfront venue.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Mayor Michael Lombardo named 2025 Man of the Year
It was announced on Friday, Nov. 22, City of Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo has been selected as the 2025 Man of the Year by the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Left to right: Tim Wachs, Sean Rooney, Lombardo, Jared Jordan and Joseph Strubeck.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
PITTSTON — The Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will bring the annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner back to the City of Pittston at The Banks Waterfront, the first time since 1956.
In addition, the annual St. Patrick’s Irish Women’s Breakfast will also be held at The Banks.
Sean Rooney, Friendly Sons president, announced City of Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo has been chosen the 2025 Man of the Year.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Banquet and Irish Woman’s Breakfast to the city of Pittston,” Sean Rooney, Friendly Sons 2024-2025 president said. “Our organization has always had a strong community presence, and we are excited to support local businesses in the Greater Pittston area through these events.
Rooney continues, “A special thank you to Kevin, Jamie, and everyone at The Banks for their incredible work in creating such a beautiful venue in downtown Pittston. Their support and collaboration have been vital in bringing both events back to this vibrant part of the city.”
The last banquet held in Pittston City was in 1956 at St. John’s, where former President Harry S. Truman was the guest of honor.
Rooney said he is pleased to announce the 2025 Man of the Year award going to the City of Pittston’s Mayor Michael Lombardo.
“For decades, Mayor Lombardo has dedicated himself to serving our community and has been a steadfast supporter of the Friendly Sons,” Rooney added. “We are proud to recognize his tireless efforts on behalf of local businesses, residents, and the City of Pittston as a whole.
As someone who grew up on Broad Street, it is inspiring to witness the progress and transformation that Pittston has undergone under Mayor Lombardo’s leadership. Honoring him in the same year that the banquet returns to Pittston makes this recognition even more meaningful.”
