Home/About Dennis
Dennis R. Sutcliffe
Retired executive, local historian, wit, and master storyteller — rekindling forgotten Cleveland memories for over ten years.
The Storyteller
A lifelong Clevelander, Dennis attended Benedictine High School and earned both his undergraduate degree and MBA from Cleveland State University. He spent 28 years at The Progressive Corporation in finance and information technology before retiring in 2006.
In retirement, Dennis turned his lifelong passion for Cleveland history into a calling. His live programs are entertaining, multimedia journeys through the city's past — equal parts history lesson and a great time. He has presented to community centers, senior centers, public libraries, historical societies, church groups, and clubs throughout Cleveland, Akron, Lake, Geauga, Lorain and Medina Counties.
A dedicated volunteer, Dennis served the Western Reserve Historical Society for years — generating thousands of dollars in revenue for the society — and was named Volunteer of the Year for 2012.
Dennis and his wife Mary live in Cleveland Heights. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Background & Credentials
Career, Community & Education
Western Reserve Historical Society Volunteer of the Year, 2012
Self-published author of seven books
28 years at The Progressive Corporation — retired 2006
MBA
Cleveland State University, 1978
BBA (Accounting)
Cleveland State University, 1973
Certified Management Accountant
Mission
Supporting the A-T Children's Project
Dennis and his wife Mary have five beautiful grandchildren. Two of their grandsons — Dylan and Sean — have been diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia, more commonly known as A-T.
A-T is an extremely rare, genetic disease that causes progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems, and a high rate of cancer. Sean is already a cancer survivor, having been treated for B-cell lymphoma at age two.
Because A-T is so rare, it receives little attention and even less funding. The A-T Children's Project was started to raise funds for research and life-improving therapies for children with A-T.
All proceeds from Lost Cleveland Memories® programs go directly to the A-T Children's Project. As of June 2026, Dennis has raised over $60,000 for the cause.
