Cleveland International Hall of Fame
April 21, 2026
Since 2010, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame (CIHF) has inducted people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural society. Cleveland is home to people representing about 120 different ethnic groups. The CIHF exists not only to honor those special people but also to inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
In addition, the first annual Debbie Hanson Forever Young Honors have been announced. Debbie’s medical issues started in her 50’s and her passing was way too early – hence she will remain Forever Young to us. The honor will be awarded each year to a man and a woman who do not seek the limelight but are always there willing and able to help in any way possible with their community. Mary Anne DeGrandis Baucco is an inaugural honoree.
Born on the East Side of Cleveland into a politically active Irish, Italian, and German family with strong ties to the neighborhood. The oldest of eight children of Paul J. DeGrandis Jr. and Rita C. Feller DeGrandis, mother of two and grandmother of three. Grew up in the Our Lady of Peace parish, graduate of Regina High School and St. Luke’s School of Radiology Technology.
Volunteering started from the cradle in our ethnic neighborhood where we welcomed newly arrived immigrant children and their families, helping them navigate a whole new world. It’s always been about the people, making a difference, helping out where needed.
Long time Irish Cultural Garden and One World Day volunteer. Executive Board member of the Scottish Cultural Garden. Member, Lector and hunger center volunteer at St. Patrick’s parish in West Park. West Side Irish American club member and volunteer. Gaelic Athletic Association volunteer. Little Italy Garden Walk volunteer. Cleveland Mayo Society member. Regular contributor on the Gerry Quinn Irish radio program.
Thirty-five year clinical career caring for patients as a radiology technologist and medical assistant then transitioned into the quality and regulatory arena as an investigator for medical devices and patient safety.
All things Cleveland from culture to sports and nature balance my work days. Good friends and travel adventures feed my soul.
When given the opportunity to help out, why not is the only response. We bloom where we are planted so let’s nurture this garden right here on the North Coast together. Mary Anne was introduced by Global Cleveland CEO Joe Cimperman.
This story provided by the courtesy of Dan Hanson, Clevelandpeople.com
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