Al Smith IV at his installation as grand marshal in 2013
By Ray O’Hanlon
Alfred E. Smith IV, who carried a famous political name up Fifth Avenue as the 2013 Grand Marshal of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade, has died at the age of 68.
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, of whom Smith was a member, released details of funeral arrangements.
A wake will be held on Monday, November 25 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan, Connecticut. (A previously published morning time was incorrect and the Echo apologizes for the error).
The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will be the principal celebrant.
Smith led what was the 252nd parade and used that opportunity to pay homage to his great grandfather Al Smith, four-term New York governor, first Catholic U.S. presidential candidate, and the parade grand marshal in 1925.
In accepting the grand marshal’s sash, in a ceremony at the New York Athletic Club, Smith described his famed great grandfather as a man who was a friend to everyone.
“I am honored to follow in my great grandfather’s footsteps leading the Irish community up Fifth Avenue in what is known as the greatest parade in the world,” said Smith at the installation ceremony.
