Memorial service for Ralph Fernandez, Deaflympics CEO, in D.C.

On Wednesday, January 15, there was a memorial service to honor Ralph Fernandez, who was the CEO of the Deaflympics/ICSD at the time of his unexpected passing on January 4. He was a resident of D.C.

The memorial service was live-streamed and here is a recap.

Donalda Ammons, a former president of the Deaflympics and colleague of Ralph, said when the International Olympic Committee approved the term, “Deaflympics” in 2001, she wondered what the logo for Deaflympics should be. Ammons said she met with Ralph and he immediately had an idea for a logo design and designed the current “Deaflympics” logo in about 24 hours. She said the logo was well-received and easily got the approval by the Deaflympics Congress. Ammons said a Deaflympics flag was draped over Ralph’s coffin and that the logo is Ralph’s work.

Ralph’s sister, Josey Duffy, said she’s so grateful to see how many lives that Ralph impacted. She said the last time she saw Ralph was during a surprise visit for Christmas.

Ralph’s mother, Maggie, said when he was 10, he asked for a bicycle because his friends in the neighborhood had one. Maggie said she never thought that bike would lead to a lifetime and career of cycling in Deaf sports.

Tiffany Williams, a former Deaflympics CEO, said Ralph was a close colleague of hers in Deaf sports and they had the same kind of passion for it. She shared a story about a cycling trip they had in Switzerland and said he had a true passion for the sport and was willing to help others.

Dr. Adam Kosa, the Deaflympics president, flew in from Hungary. He said Ralph’s passing left them in absolute shock. He said it was Ralph’s trademark to have an inquisitive look and also his style of communicating in a very theatrical and visual way. Kosa said Ralph contributed invaluable services to the Deaflympics through his IT work.

Jeff Mansfield, the US Deaf Sports Federation president, said Deaf sports and the Deaflympic movement was a higher calling for Ralph. He said he’s received many stories of how Ralph inspired people.

Greg Hlibok said he knows that what Ralph would want from us is to celebrate him and recognize his contributions. Hlibok said when they were roommates, Ralph would have so much news because he met five times the number of people he did.

Robert Weinstock, representing the GUAA, said Ralph was very dedicated to Gallaudet alumni and his class of 1990. He said Ralph designed the medallion that is given to Gallaudet alumni members celebrating their 50th anniversary and that when it is an alumni’s turn to get the medal, they will have a piece of Ralph with them.

During the ceremony, there was a slideshow that showed many pictures from Ralph’s childhood, college years, family, and work in Deaf sports.

Ralph leaves behind two children, Ryland and Sophia. I’ve put a link to his obituary and the memorial livestream in the transcript.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/washington-dc/ralph-fernandez-12158567

https://www.facebook.com/Deaflympics/videos/1296716318039979

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