Virginia Carson Minardi – Queens County Aide to the Grand Marshal

 

Virginia Carson Minardi was one of four children born to James and the late Patricia (nee Horton, “Southold Lighthouse”). Her great grandparents Joseph and Catherine Callahan (nee Taylor) were born in County Cork. Virginia enjoyed a great childhood and is a life-long resident of Belle Harbor attending St. Francis de Sales School and Parish, Beach Channel High School and The Wood School in Manhattan.
Virginia’s professional career began at Shearman & Sterling LLP (founded in 1873) where she has worked for 35 years – loyalty at its best!
Virginia is the LAOH Queens County President, and the founding officer and member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 25 Rockaways to Breezy Point for the past 12 years. She led the Junior LAOH Division for three years chairing many Ceili’s, Communion Breakfasts, Feasts of St. Brigid, Fashion Shows and Teas to spread Irish Culture and Heritage.
Virginia is married to Sean Minardi, a Manager at The Museum of the City of New York, and a lead singer and drummer for Wax-R-Back, Moving Pictures and the Irish band Garavogue that has a CD climbing the radio charts in Sligo, Ireland. They have two sons: Nolan and Connor Smith. Nolan is a fireman with FDNY engaged to Maria, and Connor is a culinary chef at The Surf Club in Breezy Point and is dating Jessica for several years. Sean’s Irish roots trace back thru his grandmother Bernice Minardi.
Virginia and her family are Sandy Survivors with their family home very badly damaged by both Hurricane Irene and SuperStorm Sandy. Despite the high cost of repairs, the lost family treasures and musical equipment, the Minardis stayed together, stayed positive and dreamed of the future. Their motto, “Through random acts of kindness and good community, we stand strong”.
Virginia has marched in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade nearly every year since being a child, originally playing the fife for The American Irish Drum Corps., traveling with them to Ireland along with numerous Northeastern and State competitions. On March 17th, she will walk the Parade route humbled and proud to be among those who walked before and alongside her, and will be extremely proud to be a strong supporter of her Faith, her Family and Friends.