Levittown Resident Honored At Town's First Irish-American Heritage Celebration

Late last month, the Town of Hempstead held its first-ever Irish-American Heritage Celebration. The event recognized exceptional Irish-American residents of the town who have made a positive impact on their communities, while also promoting Irish heritage and culture.

“Here in Hempstead Town we have many diverse communities,” said Town Supervisor Anthony Santino. “We are proud to take the time to honor and acknowledge the very best of each unique heritage. March is the perfect month to recognize our outstanding Irish residents.”

Among the honorees was Levittown resident Donna Ryan. Donna and her husband Pete bought their Levittown home in 1962 and have remained in the same house all these years. Ryan has spent the years being incredibly active in her community and volunteering for countless groups and organizations. Her first volunteer position was with the Levittown United Cerebral Palsy Ladies Auxiliary, where she still donates her time. She has been a volunteer with the Wantagh-Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which now boasts three generations of Ryans.

Pete owned his own plumbing and heating company, which led her to become involved in the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Chamber’s board of directors and worked as vice president and president of the organization.

Another group that has been lucky enough to win Donna’s heart is the New York State Games for the Physically Challenged. The Ryans have volunteered for more than 25 years with the Games.

The Levittown Kiwanis Club has been the beneficiary of Ryan’s volunteer efforts for more than 25 years. She has co-chaired the club’s Community Pride Day and currently assists with the Kiwanis’ Terrific Kids program, which recognizes Levittown students who give back to their community. Ryan was also a charter member and three-year president of the Levittown Community Council and has served on the Levittown 40th, 50th and 60th Anniversary committees.

The honorees of the inaugural ceremony included Kathryn Driscoll Hopkins of Garden City, Chief Clerk of Nassau County Supreme Court; John Murray Jr., owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh; Sean O’Rourke of Woodmere, a retired NYPD Detective heavily involved in the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and Don Ryan of Hempstead, a treasured long-time public servant; and Mayor-elect. There was also a posthumous tribute to the great Steven McDonald, NYPD Detective from Malverne who became an international hero when he forgave the teen who shot him and left him as a quadriplegic.

Michael Byrne, current Nassau County Feis Chairman, opened the ceremony as the keynote speaker. Entertainment was provided by the Donny Golden School of Irish Dance in Mineola, with the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band and the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums supplying the music.

Photo: Town of Hempstead