PITTSTON — P.J. Melvin has been named Grand Marshal of the 2019 Pittston St. Patrick’s Parade and will lead the fifth annual event set for Saturday, March 2 in downtown.
Melvin, 72, is a staple of the Greater Pittston area where he has been involved in the community all his life.
Born in Pittston, he has lived in the same house his entire life. He graduated from Pittston High School in 1964 where he was named Outstanding Senior Boy, then then attended King’s College where he earned degrees in Sociology and English Education while also playing football and acting in Shakespearean plays.
After graduation, Melvin began working as a teacher at St. Cecilia’s Junior High School in Exeter. Following that, he held several educational positions in the Wyoming Area School District.
Melvin is currently a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was once a Grand Knight. He is also a past president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and a former Pittston city councilman.
Known for his involvement in the start of the Pittston Tomato Festival and for helping to bring the JFK statue to Kennedy Boulevard in the city, Melvin now likes to spend his time golfing, though he admits he’s not very good at it.
Melvin loves living in Pittston and thinks there’s no better place to call home.
“It’s the greatest place to live because of the people,” he said.
Nominated by members of the Parade Committee, Melvin was later unanimously chosen by the committee to serve as Grand Marshal.
Sarah Donahue, a member of the parade committee, is excited with the choice.
“He’s going to be a great Grand Marshal because he’s quite the character and is well respected in the community,” Donahue said of Melvin.
Melvin never expected to get the call, informing him of the news.
“It’s unbelievable; I was shocked,” he said. “It’s quite the honor.”
