Author C.S. Lewis once said, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." This quote resonates deeply with the values instilled at the DeGrandis family dinner table in the 1960s. Joe Sr. and his wife Rose Marie taught their six children to lead by example, embodying generosity and a commitment to others.
For Fred DeGrandis ’68, the lessons learned in those early years found fertile ground at Saint Ignatius High School, where he and his brothers Joe ’67 and Mike ’79 became students. “We were all striving to be Men for Others, focused on understanding God’s purpose for our lives,” Fred shares. The family's commitment to Saint Ignatius has been unwavering, marked by a dedication to giving back through time, talents, and treasures. Fred sees this as a responsibility, a way to ensure future students receive the same opportunities he did. "It’s our duty to support the school that shaped us," he says, emphasizing his ongoing contributions to advancing the school’s mission.
Fred’s professional career in healthcare is another testament to the impact of his Jesuit education. From Gesu Catholic School in University Heights to his years at Saint Ignatius, Fred’s path has been guided by the Jesuit principles of wisdom, compassion, empathy, and intelligence. He views his work as an extension of Christ’s ministry of healing and often has breakfast with Fr. Raymond P. Guiao, S.J. ’82, whom he praises for his compassion, vision, and passion for advancing the school’s mission. “Fr. Ray exudes spirituality and empathy for people—his soul is with us,” Fred says.
For Joe, he highlights their parents' influence, crediting them with laying the foundation for a life of sacrifice and charitable giving. “Supporting Saint Ignatius will shape the lives of future students and give them a chance to make a difference,” he remarks. A certified public accountant, he attributes his strong work ethic, faith-based initiatives, and sense of accountability to his formative education at Saint Ignatius.
Mike adds, “Our parents’ example was further reinforced by the Sophomore Service Program and my involvement on the Alumni Council, where we worked to develop community outreach programs with alumni like Mike McLaughlin ’85 at the Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership. Saint Ignatius reinforced the philanthropic values we learned from our parents, siblings, and friends.”
A special memory for the DeGrandis brothers was the legendary Charity Game, played on Thanksgiving Day in the 1960s, with attendance reaching up to 40,000 spectators. “The quest for an opportunity to play at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in the Charity Game was unforgettable,” Joe reminisces. Fred fondly recalls taking his younger brother Mike to the games, laughing as he remembers, “Back then, the Cleveland Plain Dealer was a sponsor, and the game received Super Bowl-like coverage.
The DeGrandis family's commitment to Saint Ignatius High School extends beyond the three brothers. Their cousin, Ron DeGrandis ’64, embodies this same spirit of generosity and dedication to his alma mater.. Guided by the mantra, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," Ron finds joy in helping others and believes in the importance of sharing. “There’s a logical way to treat people that aligns with the Christian way of life. I’ve always seen the Jesuits as the Marines of the Catholic Church,” he reflects. For Ron, the traditions, academic excellence, and devotion to faith and justice at Saint Ignatius epitomize the Jesuit ideals that have shaped the school for generations.
Ron’s two sons, Brad ’91 and Matt ’94, continued the family legacy at Saint Ignatius. Brad, who rowed for Saint Ignatius and followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of the Georgetown University Crew, recalls the early days of the Saint Ignatius program. “We were a ragtag group of rowing fanatics, often using aging or borrowed boats and struggling to keep up with our peers,” he remembers. Thanks to Ron's stewardship and his ability to leverage his financial network, the crew received three new boats, the first christened “Linda” in honor of his first wife and Brad’s mother, who passed away in 1992. These new boats, along with the leadership of Fr. Tim Kesicki, S.J., Fr. Kenneth Styles, S.J., and the late Fr. Robert Welsh, S.J. ’54, was instrumental in elevating the crew program, which became a varsity sport in 1992 and has since won 14 Midwest Scholastic Championships.
Before entering high school, many of Brad’s friends were considering other schools. But for his father, Ron, there was only one choice. “When asked where his son was going, he would confidently say, ‘Saint Ignatius,’” Brad recalls. “Our whole family is all in.”
Today, Brad is a leading supporter of the Saint Ignatius rowing program, aiming to ensure it remains among the best in the country. “It’s about finding ways to be more involved with the school. We want to ensure that Saint Ignatius has the best rowing program in the country.” This commitment was highlighted in August when Aaron Brookhart ’97, the program's first crew athlete, was inducted into the Saint Ignatius Athletic Hall of Fame, reflecting the program's growth and success.
For Ron and Brad, support of the crew program involves two key phases. The first phase provides the resources and equipment needed for high-level competition. The second focuses on sustainability and growth, aiming to engage more alumni and create scholarship funds for athletes who may lack the financial means to participate.
Brad reflects on his journey, saying, “When I was younger and didn’t have the financial resources to give back, I contributed through coaching. Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’m in a better position to provide financial support. I hope to inspire our young men to do the same and give back to Saint Ignatius anyway they can.”
The DeGrandis men value the lifelong friendships formed at Saint Ignatius and frequently reunite with classmates and family, including cousin Peter Carfagna ’71. Peter and wife, Rita, along with late father-in-law Murlan Murphy '36, have generously funded numerous campus projects over the years including the Murphy Field House, St. Mary of the Assumption Chapel and, most recently, the Carfagna Family MAGIS Athletic Center and the MAGIS Scholars program.
The DeGrandis family's unwavering commitment to Saint Ignatius High School is a testament to the enduring values instilled in them since childhood. Their dedication to generosity, service, and community reflects the profound impact of their Jesuit education, which continues to shape their lives and the lives of future generations.