Ray Dalio named Grand Marshal of Columbus Day Parade

The Columbus Citizens Foundation has named Ray Dalio Grand Marshal of the 82nd Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York on Oct. 12, 2026. The parade will also honor Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto and Dr. Evelyn C. Granieri during Columbus Celebration Weekend as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary year.

Why it matters: - The 82nd Columbus Day Parade will spotlight Italian American heritage during America’s 250th anniversary year. - The event also supports the Columbus Citizens Foundation’s scholarship and philanthropy mission. - The parade remains the world’s largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture.

What happened: - The Columbus Citizens Foundation named Raymond T. Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, as Grand Marshal of the 82nd Annual Columbus Day Parade. - The Foundation also selected Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto and Dr. Evelyn C. Granieri as honorees. - The parade will take place on Fifth Avenue in New York City on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, beginning at 11:30 a.m. - Dalio’s son, Matt Dalio, will represent him at the Columbus Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and at the parade that follows.

The details: - Dalio is being recognized for his philanthropic contributions and support of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. - Matt Dalio is founder of Endless and CEO of Endless Studios. - Endless Studios focuses on teaching people to build video games and expand access to digital skills, creativity and career pathways. - Ambassador Rizzuto serves as U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States. - Rizzuto also previously served as U.S. Consul General to Bermuda. - Rizzuto built a career at Conair Corporation, rising from warehouse operations to senior vice president. - Rizzuto expanded Conair’s global footprint to more than 125 countries. - Rizzuto earned 25 U.S. patents and helped bring more than 1,000 new products to market. - Rizzuto founded and published Style Source Magazine and served as chairman of the Professional Beauty Association. - Dr. Granieri is a geriatrician and Emerita Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. - Granieri is also an affiliate professor of medicine at the City University of New York School of Medicine and the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing. - Granieri has served as chief of geriatrics at the Bronx VA Hospital, deputy chair for education at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and inaugural chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Columbia University. - Granieri serves on boards and committees of national organizations and on the Columbus Citizens Foundation Medical Scholarship Committee. - The Columbus Celebration Weekend runs Oct. 9-12 and includes the Foundation’s Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on Oct. 10 and a wreath-laying ceremony on Oct. 11. - The parade traces its roots to 1929, when Generoso Pope led Italian Americans from East Harlem to Columbus Circle. - The celebration became official in 1944. - Last year’s Grand Marshal was Joe Moglia, former chairman and CEO of TD Ameritrade and former head football coach at Coastal Carolina University. - Past Grand Marshals have included Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, Massimo Ferragamo, Lidia Bastianich, Joe DiMaggio and Mario Andretti.

Between the lines: - The honorees reflect a mix of finance, diplomacy, business, medicine and education. - The Foundation is tying the parade to broader civic recognition, not just heritage celebration. - Dalio’s selection extends the event’s pattern of elevating high-profile Italian American figures with national influence.

What's next: - Matt Dalio will appear on behalf of Raymond Dalio at the Mass and parade on Monday, Oct. 12. - The Columbus Celebration Weekend will unfold from Oct. 9-12 in New York. - The parade will again serve as the centerpiece of the Foundation’s annual programming.

The bottom line: - The Columbus Citizens Foundation is using its 82nd parade to honor major Italian American leaders while marking a symbolic year for the country and the community.