Magisano
James Magisano is looking back with satisfaction on his 35-year career as a surgeon and feeling very blessed to have had the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
“It was a privilege to care for patients and very gratifying to help save lives,” he said.
The combination of his clinical and educational skills, together with his compassionate style, made him a favorite among staff members at Fairview Hospital. Well-known as a mentor to many generations of colleagues, medical students and residents, Magisano tirelessly shared countless hours of assistance and guidance to his profession.
As a doctor, his workload was heavy, but he always made time to serve on hospital boards and stay involved in the community.
He credits his wife, Lois, for providing the support that he needed to maintain his active pace. The couple met at Fairview Hospital while he was practicing medicine and Lois was a registered nurse. The Magisanos live in Rocky River, where they raised their two children.
After retiring from practicing medicine in 1999, Magisano found a fulfilling way to continue the work he enjoyed the most, helping to care for the health and wellness of others, through his volunteer efforts at the Community West Foundation and numerous other organizations.
He serves on the Cleveland Clinic Board of Trustees, where he is a member of the Safety, Quality and Patient Experience Committee, a member of the CCHS Western Region Board, and a Life Trustee at Fairview Hospital.
“It has been a natural transition from my work as a physician,” Magisano said. “I still have a very comparable mission and can now help to improve the lives of others through my service on the Community West Foundation Board, especially through grant funding for our hungry, homeless and underserved neighbors.”
At the foundation, he is a member of the executive and grants committees and chair of the advancement committee. He believes that the success of the foundation is due to the confidence donors have in the organization, the board and staff members.
Retirement has also allowed the Magisanos to spend more time with their two children and three grandchildren, whom they enjoy entertaining on their farm in Medina. The family never misses the chance to visit the farm, where they stay active in the orchard, garden and vineyard.
Know someone who qualifies as "Person of the Week"? Submit nominations at cleveland.com/sun or email them to ckovach@sunnews.com or mail them to West Shore Sun, 5510 Cloverleaf Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44125.
More Rocky-River stories
Return to Rocky-River home page