President Michael dePascale and Knight of the Year Joel Hurliman

Past President Michael dePascale and Knight of the Year Joel Hurliman to be honored Friday, June 14, 2019

The Knights of St. Patrick will regularly reflect upon leaders of their club and celebrate the volunteers who lead the organization. This year the most recent President Michael dePascale has completed his presidency and will be recognized for his years of leadership and be gifted a green jacket as has been the tradition in recent years. Each Past President is asked to identify a member who has been a resource and an individual who stepped up whenever asked. This year Michael dePascale selected fellow Knight and friend Joel Hurliman.

Michael dePascale was born in West Islip, New York and moved to Connecticut as a teenager. Michael graduated from St. Joseph High School in Trumbull (1987). Michael is a proud Husky who graduated from University of Connecticut (1992) with a Bachelor of Arts. Michael’s career has had him working in locations across the state including Synergy Marketing Solutions and The Corporate System prior to his joining Yale University in 1998. Since then Michael worked for Q-Bridge, Inc., and most recently Ebix Consulting as a Project Manager and then Director of Client Services. Michael’s time at Yale was when Past Presidents Michael York and Michael O’Hare encouraged their new friend to join the Knights of St. Patrick. Michael’s first encounter with the Knights of St. Patrick was the festivities back at the club after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Michael joined and brought his passion and talents to the club and became an officer of the club rising to the ranks of President. Michael started his Presidency in 2017 and in his years his contributions to membership development and new member happy hours has seen great growth in the club. Michael has also worked tirelessly on the largest fundraiser the Annual Car Raffle. In 2018, Michael was able to share as many generations before the joy of seeing his son Michael, Jr. become a member of the Knights continuing the tradition.

Retired Shelton Chief of Police Joel W. Hurliman, Jr. is the son of Annette M. Hurliman and the late Joel W. Hurliman, Sr. Joel has had a passion for education and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and FBI National Academy with master’s degrees from both the University of Phoenix and American Military University. Joel retired from the Shelton Police Force in October 2015 and after 23 years of service has retired from the Connecticut Army National Guard with the rank of Master Sergeant. Joel’s civic service did not conclude with his retirement, he now serves as Captain in the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, part of the Armed Forces of the State of Connecticut. For those unfamiliar with their responsibilities, this unit performs at many ceremonial functions including parades, color guards, and military reviews. This historic unit is currently extending their knowledge with training on mobile emergency field hospital including first aid, CPR and AED. Joel always a leader who helps with the training, recruitment and development of the subordinate leaders. Joel continues serving his country and the veterans of our state as a member of the State Guard Reserve. Joel helps coordinate the scheduling and performing military honors for deceased veterans. In his responsibilities he trains his fellow members on the performance of duties along with maintenance of their weapons. Joel is well rounded in his interests and additionally is an active member in organizations including the Sutter-Terlizzi American Legion Post 16 Shelton, Connecticut, FBINAA CT and New England Chapters, the Derby Shelton Memorial Day Association and a proud member and volunteer of the Knights of St. Patrick.

The evening of honor will take place at the Knights of Saint Patrick in the Grand Hall at 1533 State Street, New Haven. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are $40 which include a buffet dinner and open bar.

For further information on the event, please contact current President John Tolbert at 203-804-3205 or Tolbert.j@comcast.net. The Knights of St. Patrick appreciates your support!

Founded in New Haven in 1878, The Knights of St. Patrick is a cultural, educational, nonsecular, nonprofit, charitable organization that helps promote the cultural traditions of Irish Americans. The membership is open to all genders, religions, and ethnic affiliations. The heartfelt virtues of the original members are very much alive today. The Knights of St. Patrick constantly open their collective hearts and facilities to many worthy and charitable causes. The Knights host events throughout the year to salute individuals whose service or dedication to the Greater New Haven area, merit special recognition, such as Public Safety Night honoring local law enforcement and the fire department.