Theissen is next year's St. Patrick's parade grand marshal

John Theissen, who has a legacy of helping children in need, has been named the grand marshal of Wantagh’s 2024 St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce announced on Sept. 19 that Theissen has been chosen to lead one of the largest parades on Long Island. The announcement took place during the chamber’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day cocktail reception at the Wantagh Inn.

Cathy Powell, chamber president, said the decision to go with Theissen in that lead role was an obvious choice.

“Our 2024 grand marshal has dedicated the last 32 years of his life bringing joy where there is sorrow, bringing light to where it’s not so bright, bringing hope where there is uncertainty, and bringing the utmost kindness and grace when it is most needed,” Powell said.

The newly named grand marshal is the founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a non-profit that helps sick and underprivileged children in any capacity possible, whether through donations or fundraisers. For Theissen, taking on the role of grand marshal is an exciting experience.

“It’s just amazing,” Theissen said, “and having this honor, I’m just so humbled by it. I really am.”

At the reception, the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band performed to introduce Theissen and past grand marshals. Mike Dunphy, the proprietor of the Wantagh Inn, who was the 2023 grand marshal, said that Theissen would excel in the role.

“I don’t have to give him any advice,” Dunphy said. “He’s been around a long time. All he does is sufficient. He doesn’t need any advice.”

Theissen’s work with children began when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1988 at the age of 17. He was sent to Schneider Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park for surgery to get his tumor removed. During his time at the hospital, he met Tasha, a 7-year-old patient, who would have a profound impact on his life.

According to Theissen, Tasha would always visit him during his recovery to cheer him up. In December 1988, while Theissen was still in the hospital, Tasha gifted him a teddy bear she was given at a holiday party for children who were patients. Theissen was moved by her generosity.

“I’ll never forget it,” Theissen said of Tasha’s gift. “I was sleeping, and she walked into my room and threw it on top of me and said, ‘Look what I got for you!’”

A few days later, Theissen left the hospital, and he promised he would be back to help the kids. In 1992, he held a toy drive and collected more than 800 toys in two weeks. Since then, his organization has collected more than a million toys, which have been donated to children in more than 180 hospitals and childcare facilities. For Theissen, the work comes naturally to him.

“I wake up each day, and it comes automatic, and over the 32 years, I’ve never said no to a child,” Theissen said of his work. “We always find ways to help.”

In his role as grand marshal, Theissen will take center stage at what Powell described as the largest parade on Long Island, thanks to the involvement of the Nassau County Police Department, local fire departments and small businesses in the area.

“I am looking forward to celebrating all of his accomplishments, which have been many,” Marilynne Rich, second vice president of the Wantagh chamber, said of Theissen.

Theissen said that when he’s proudly leading the parade, he would think about how much the community has helped him throughout the years.

“I love Wantagh,” he said. “I love the community. I am so honored and humbled. When I’m walking that day, it’s all about the community and what they’ve done for me.”