Grand Marshal 2025

Mary Hurley Cole was born to Eleanor and Jeremiah Hurley in Downtown Jersey City.

Her maternal grandparents hailed from County Clare, and her paternal grandparents were from County Cork. She is a lifelong parishioner of St. Michael’s Church in Jersey City, where she continues to serve on various committees. Mary proudly attended St. Michael’s Grammar and High schools and graduated from Jersey City State College.  After graduating, she taught for 33 years at various Catholic schools in the area, including St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. Andrew’s, and All Saints Catholic Academy in Bayonne.

Mary was married to (the late) Bob Cole for 30 years. She is the proud parent of MaryBeth DiDonna (Dan), Elle Gallagher (Brian), and Robert Cole Jr. (Kelsey). She is grandmother to Caroline DiDonna, and Mickey and Charlie Gallagher.

Mary is an active member of the Bayonne Donegal Association, The Irish American

League of Bayonne, and the Shamrock Society, where she is co-chair of the club and the

coordinator of “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” an annual event that honors her late husband, in which a

$1,000 scholarship is awarded to a local student attending a Catholic high school. Mary is a

member of the Bayonne St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and the Bayonne Irish Festival

Committee.

The Cole family house has traditionally hosted what is referred to as the “pre-reviewing

stand” party for the Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade every year.  Proud of their heritage, the

Coles have entertained scores of family and friends at their 39th Street party, where all are

invited to eat, drink, and be merry!