Hispanic Heritage Parade Grand Marshall

The second annual Hispanic Heritage parade was postponed due to rain on Sept. 24 during Hispanic Heritage Month. The parade will now take place on Sunday, Oct. 22.

The event, to be held on Main Street in Patchogue Village, will feature a bilingual mix of Hispanic parade dancers from the Greater Patchogue Foundation’s Cultural Heritage committee, and more.

This year’s grand marshal will be José Bonilla for all the work of bridging the communities in the village of Patchogue. His grocery store, Bravo Supermarket, was the first Spanish speaking grocery in the village of Patchogue.

Maryann River-Nugent will also be receiving the the award for her late Grandmother and all the work her grandmother did.  Segundo Orellana will also be an honoree for bringing art to Patchogue with beautiful artwork in the 90s and officially making a mural in 2008 when Patchogue was going through a lot. Marian Russo is the parade’s ambassador; for years she helped be the bridge for the Latino community and the village as well as helping the village achieve its goals. Lurdes Balbuca is also being recognized as the backbone to this year’s parade.

ABOUT THE GRAND MARSHAL

Jose Bonilla was born in the humble, rural hamlet of Triunfo in El Salvador. At the age of 14, Jose escaped the war-ravaged country in the middle of the night and traveled alone to the United States so that he would be forcibly recruited by the guerillas. After a two-week journey, Jose arrived in Brentwood, New York where his brothers took him in.

After a short time, Jose’s brothers helped him find a job in the restaurant business. Jose worked at La Scala Pizzeria in Commack and Gasho Restaurant in Happauge working two shifts 7 days a week. Eventually, Jose became employed at Bonded Brakes in Holtsville, starting at an entry-level position. Over a period of 15 years, Jose moved up in rank to the position of inspector overseeing other employees’ work.

In 1997, Jose became a business owner purchasing a small convenience store in Patchogue with assistance from his brother, Rogelio Bonilla. Jose nurtured his fledging store often working 10 to 18 hours a day. Jose’s entrepreneurial skills afforded him the opportunity to open Bravo Supermarket franchise in 2005 in Patchogue. To date, Jose has expanded his business ownership within the Village of Patchogue to include La Confianza Deli and Restaurant.

Jose gives thanks to his wife Cecilia and children, Eliezer, Ariel, Melissa and Joel who have all been the most important part of his life here in the United States and who all participate in making these businesses prosper. He would also like to thank his older brother for being so generous and trusting in him. Jose feels fortunate that God gave him a generous heart to help people in need and making it possible to always give to different organizations within our community.

Jose feels grateful for this opportunity and he is thankful for the village of Patchogue. He wishes everyone in the Village of Patchogue good health.