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.
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.
2024
Debra Sokol McKay
Kathryn "Tina" Wasserman
2023
Kathleen Huebner
Judith Kowalski, Pennsylvania, Western PA School for Blind Children
Craig Williams
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
Diane Heil
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
Susan Friedman
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
Gary Nussbaum
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