Mystic ― Phil Pavone, a Mystic resident and owner of AZ Pawn Shop in Norwich who has donated more than 1,000 wheelchairs to residents with disabilities, has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Mystic Irish Parade on March 19.

In 2009, Pavone took in a few power wheelchairs, but they didn’t sell. As the holidays approached, he got the idea to donate the chairs. When he saw what it meant to those who benefited from his generosity, he sought out used wheelchairs and power chairs and refurbished them.

To date, AZ Pawn Gift of Mobility has given away 940 power chairs and 500 wheelchairs, canes, and walkers.

“Phil’s generosity and compassion make him a great choice for Grand Marshal,” said Neil Ryan, vice president of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation. “People say it’s an honor to be selected as Grand Marshal, but given what Phil has done for others, it’s really an honor of us to have him lead the 2023 Mystic Irish Parade.”

The annual Mystic Irish Parade has grown to be the region’s largest parade with more than 2,000 participants and 30,000 spectators each year. The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that raises money to fund local charities.

For more information, visit https://mysticirishparade.org/.