2014 Grand Marshal
John Trodden
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John Trodden, born October 10, 1946, raised in Kings Park, and the only child of James and Mariah Trodden from County Carlow, Ireland. John and the love of his life, his Ellen, of 46 years have 5 children – Debbie, Johnny, Jimmy, MaryEllen, and Peter, their spouses, and 9 grandchildren.
​John attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School, St. Anthony’s High School, and Kings Park School of Nursing. He began his medical career as an Anesthetist in Pennsylvania. He brought his family back to Kings Park and continued his medical career with the State serving in various administrative positions at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center and St. John’s Hospital. He then became Deputy Director and Director of Community Services for Pilgrim State, Kings Park, and Central Islip Psychiatric Centers.
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When he retired from the State, he pursued his religious vocation being ordained in 1994 as a Deacon – serving in Brentwood, then serving at St. Joseph’s Parish in Kings Park for more than 10 years. He has worshiped with us, married us, baptized our children and grandchildren, counseled and prayed with us when life here comes to an end.
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While a Deacon, he also served as an Administrative Consultant for the Diocese of Rockville Center. He has served as a Deacon for Teams of Our Lady. He has been the Chaplain for the Kings Park Fire Department and the Suffolk County Police Department for the last several years to date – responding to calls 24/7 as needed. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He has accomplished all of this before the age of 70!