Meet our 2024 Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes are individuals and organizations who contributed significantly to making South Euclid a better place to live, work and play. This year, we celebrate the following individuals.
Edward J. Gallagher
A proud U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, the late Ed Gallagher grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, and lived in several states before settling in South Euclid in 1988. After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School in 1966, he briefly played semi-pro football and worked at Dutton Lumber Company until he was drafted. Serving bravely in Vietnam from 1966-1967, Ed achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Post-military, he attended plumber and steamfitters school, moving to Boca Raton, Florida, and joining Stouffer's Hotels. Ed became the Director of Engineering for the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, overseeing its major renovation, and was later promoted to Director of Engineering for all Stouffers properties in the Americas. In 2004, Ed began serving South Euclid as Service Director, modernizing the department and leading significant upgrades to the city's facilities and parks. He also served as Economic Development Director during the 2009 recession, spearheading transformative projects like Cedar Center and Oakwood Commons. Passionate about helping veterans, Ed brought the Purple Heart Home program to South Euclid, rehabilitating homes for veterans. After retiring in 2011, he continued his dedication to veterans and helped establish a community development corporation, One South Euclid, serving as its first president. His most significant accomplishments, however, were his roles as husband to his wife, Maria, father to his two children, Patrick and Katie, and grandfather to Rory, RJ, Guinevere, and Penelope.
Modestino Romeo
A 58-year resident of South Euclid, Moe Romeo has retired more than once. He served as Ward 2 Councilman for 23 years, retiring from the council in 2016 as the second-longest-serving member. During his council tenure, he also worked at the Cleveland Clinic as a project manager in Information Technology, retiring from the hospital in 2007. Romeo’s connection to South Euclid began in 1966 when he moved to the city after serving in the Army. He and his first wife, Lucy, settled on Green Road and raised three children. After Lucy passed away in 1998, Romeo married Jane in 2000, and together they have 13 grandchildren. Appointed to a council seat in February 1992 by former mayor John Kocevar, Romeo had previously been involved with a community development group focused on redeveloping Mayfield and Green roads and assisting Kocevar in earlier campaigns. As a council member, Romeo chaired the Finance Committee and was praised for his fairness, dedication to residents, and listening skills, earning the titles “the calming voice on council” and “the statesman of council” from his peers. He worked diligently with the mayor to address flooding issues in the city. After retiring from the council, Romeo dedicated himself to volunteering at One South Euclid, a nonprofit,
community development corporation. He served two terms on the Board as Treasurer on its Executive Committee and was a member of the Revitalization Committee until his final retirement in 2023.
David Spero
David Spero, a long-time resident of South Euclid, began his entertainment career at the age of 13 as a cue card holder for his father Herman Spero’s groundbreaking rock and roll TV show “Upbeat,” one of the first shows to celebrate popular music in a live setting. Over the next 60 years, David remained rooted in Cleveland, starting as a pioneering FM rock radio DJ in the 1970s before moving into music management, overseeing artists such as Michael Stanley, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, Ringo Starr, and many others. His career also includes producing educational programs like “MTV Live at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” in the early 2000s when he was the Vice President of Education and Programming at the Rock Hall. In January 2023, David published a memoir, “A Life In The Wings: My Sixty Year Love Affair with Rock and Roll,” co-written with K Adrian Zonneville, detailing his interactions with numerous artists and industry professionals from his home base in South Euclid. Last fall, David was inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame. Despite his illustrious career, he remains humble and approachable, often hosting meetings at Jack’s Deli, where “David’s Salad” is named in his honor. He is always eager to leverage his musical connections for good causes, such as helping a Solon resident organize a tribute concert/fundraiser for his late son and assisting the City of Lyndhurst in organizing a tribute concert for the late Eric Carmen. David’s career is second only to his love for his wife Ellen and son Adam, choosing to remain in South Euclid instead of moving to NYC or LA. He is a true definition of a Mensch, with his rock and roll lifestyle firmly rooted in South Euclid, often seen walking his beloved dog Rosie down Belvoir Boulevard.
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 19 at 7PM
Mayfield Country Club
1545 Sheridan Road
Join One South Euclid for an evening of socializing, food, and fun as we pay tribute to our 2024 Hometown Heroes who have made significant contributions to our city. In addition to honoring our Heroes, we'll be celebrating another milestone moment - our 15th Anniversary! Your presence will mean more than just an evening of enjoyment. All proceeds from the event as well as the auction will benefit the business, residential and cultural programs of One South Euclid that ensure a thriving city for all.
So please join us as we come together in gratitude, celebration, and support for our community. Let's make this a night to remember, filled with the warmth of community spirit.
Tickets
Closed
Limited tickets available at door for $65.
2023
Tony Caroscio
Carol & Dennis Fiorelli
Kosher Food Pantry
2022
Umberto P. Fedelli
Notre Dame College
Catherine L. Stang
2021
Richard A. Barone
Joseh & Marie Frank
Keisha McMillan
Previous Hometown Heroes
Thank you 2024 sponsors!
Join our sponsors whose logos will appear on future communications about our event, including on social media and event signage. Mingle at Mayfield is a great way to receive exposure for your company while showing support for our community.
Double Diamond Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Joseph M. Scaminace
Gold Sponsors