Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex and noted philanthropist, served as the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Golisano’s visionary business acumen led to the creation and success of Paychex, which streamlined payroll and human resources services to businesses nation-wide. Golisano is also an investor in 18 businesses across the country. Golisano’s charitable work is undertaken by the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, with a primary focus on awarding grants to organizations that provide opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Thousands attended the annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture in the United States, took place on Monday, October 10, 2022, beginning at 11:30 am. As Grand Marshal, Golisano led marching bands, floats and over 100 marching groups up the Fifth Avenue parade route, from 44th Street to 72nd Street. The parade was aired live on WABC-TV from 12 noon to 3 pm.
In speaking of Mr. Golisano as Grand Marshal, Columbus Citizens Foundation President Christopher Loiacono praised his success as a prominent Italian American both in business and philanthropic endeavors.
“We are honored to have Tom as this year’s Grand Marshal. As a visionary in the business world and a truly charitable individual, he is the perfect candidate to lead our 2022 Parade,” Mr. Loiacono said. “Tom’s personal philanthropy and the work of the Golisano Foundation have greatly benefited the state of New York, and we are thrilled to have him lead New York City’s Columbus Day Parade this fall.”
“It’s an incredible feeling to join the great Italians and Italian-Americans who have served as Grand Marshal in the past,” Mr. Golisano said, “My Italian heritage is so important to me, and it’s one of the many reasons why I am excited to be a part of this major celebration of all things Italian.”
The tradition of a Columbus Day Parade began when Generoso Pope led a group of Italian Americans from East Harlem to Columbus Circle in 1929. The parade was formalized as an official celebration of Columbus and Italian heritage in 1944, and this year’s event marks its 78th Anniversary. Groups, institutions, and partners from across the United States and Italy will take part in this year’s celebration.
The 2021 Grand Marshal was Michael Pascucci. Prior Grand Marshals of New York’s Columbus Day Parade have included: Sophia Loren; Frank Sinatra; Massimo Ferragamo; Joseph Plumeri; Luciano Pavarotti; Guy Chiarello; Frank Bisignano; Lidia Bastianich; Leonard Riggio; Kenneth Langone; Robert LaPenta; Joe DiMaggio; Alberto Cribiore; Mario Andretti; Joseph Perella; Roberto Cavalli and Maria Bartiromo.
About Columbus Citizens Foundation
Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City’s annual Columbus Celebration and Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian-American heritage on New York’s Fifth Avenue since 1929.
