Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Penn-Del AER Logo: a blue, white, and black artistic rendering of an eye with the text Penn-Del AER and the Penn-Del AER and the chapter name: Pennsylvania - Delaware Chapter Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

One of the most significant traditions that AER inherited from our predecessor associations was the inspirational and reverent reading of a Necrology List, which was presented at each conference of the American Association of Workers for the Blind (AAWB). For decades, AAWB respectfully read a list of members and colleagues who had died since their previous gathering. AER International has continued that tradition with what is now known as the reading of the Memorial List during the opening ceremony of each AER International Biennial Conference.

It is with great respect that the Penn-Del AER Chapter adopts this practice through which we will remember and celebrate our colleagues that have passed away within the past year, led by the Memorial Committee. The role of this committee is to collect, compile, and confirm a list of Penn-Del AER members and other individuals of professional significance who have passed away during the past year.

At our Chapter’s first Memorial Ceremony, held during the 2022 Penn-Del AER Conference, we recognized our colleagues who have died since 2004. Their names were respectfully read at the opening session of the conference. It was well received and a moving experience.

If you have a name you would like to submit for consideration, please visit our Memorials Submission page here.

Remembering Those We Have Lost

Penn-Del AER Memorial List

2004–April 2023

This list was extracted from the official AER History and Memorial Lists maintained by AER’s History and Memorial Committee from 2004 through 2022. The 2023 names were respectfully read at the 2023 Penn-Del AER Conference.

2023

Judith Kowalski, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children

Richard Zelnosky, Pennsylvania

2020–2022

Anthony (Tony) Evancic, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children

Joe Gocek, Pennsylvania, Bureau of Blindness & Vision Services – Wilkes Barre

Verna Hart, Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh

Sister Judith Ann Moeller, Pennsylvania, St. Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments

Robert (Bob) Morgan, Pennsylvania, IU#12

Paul Yeager, Pennsylvania, IU #18

2018–2020

Liz DePiero, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children

Jean Gardier, Pennsylvania, IU #19

2016–2018

Sam DePiero, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children

Linda Jean-Baptiste, Pennsylvania, Overbrook School for the Blind

2014–2016

Deborah Armbruster, Pennsylvania, Bureau of Blindness & Vision Services

Norma Claypool, Pennsylvania, PA Association for the Blind

Andrew “Andy” Frazier, Pennsylvania, Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3 and University of Pittsburgh

Ralph Peabody, Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh

Jean Ann Vogelman, Pennsylvania, Overbrook School for the Blind

Lynn Vuocolo, Pennsylvania, Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3

Richard (Rick) Welsh, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Vision Services; First President of AER

2012–2014

Rosemary Holecki, Pennsylvania, Capital Area IU 15

Joyce Teese, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children

2010–2012

Karen Derrick, Pennsylvania, IU #1

Janet Klineman, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children

Thomas M. Walsh, Pennsylvania, Bureau of Blindness & Vision Services Wilkes-Barre

2008–2010

Stephen Barrett, Pennsylvania, Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh

Harry Lasky, Pennsylvania and Florida, Kutztown University

2006–2008

No Penn-Del AER names reported to AER for that biennium

2004–2006

Howard Adler, Pennsylvania

Nazir Ali, Pennsylvania

Elinor Long, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Education

Mary Moore, Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh

Leon Reid, Pennsylvania, Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind

Rosanne Reid, Pennsylvania, Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind

Penn-Del AER Memorials