Remembering Dr. Lawrence Forestal, 25th President of NAD

Submitted by admin [1] on Tue, 05/17/2011 - 17:46

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is saddened by the loss of Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Forestal, who was its 25th President from 1984-1986. Dr. Forestal was a respected leader on many levels in the deaf and hard of hearing community and was nationally recognized as a leader in promoting American Sign Language. Forestal's proudest achievement during his Presidency was the NAD position entitled "American Sign Language and English, and Communication and Language Rights of Deaf People," for its recognition of American Sign Language as a language.

In addition to being the President of the NAD, he was also President of the Illinois Association of the Deaf, and most recently, the American Sign Language Teachers Association. He was passionate about preserving, protecting and promoting American Sign Language by serving as a professor of ASL at several colleges and universities throughout the country. Moreover, many relied on and will miss Dr. Forestal’s encyclopedic knowledge of Deaf culture and history. With Dr. Forestal’s death, the NAD and the world have lost a great man, leader, historian, and friend.

Larry Forestal's message to future generations, taken from "Sands of Time" a book about NAD Presidents from 1880 to 2001, said that our community must be "…committed to the education and socialization of deaf youth. Education is the key to the deaf person's success, happiness, and satisfaction. Deaf youth is [our] best investment."

The official obituary notice is provided here:

In Loving Memory of Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Forestal

“…in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”

— Abraham Lincoln

Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Harold Forestal, 71, passed away on May 11, 2011 after a sudden illness. He was born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey on June 18, 1939. He attended the New Jersey School for the Deaf.

Larry was a well-respected leader, having served as President of the National Association of the Deaf, President and board member of the American Sign Language Teachers Association, President of the Illinois Association of the Deaf, as well as leading and serving on numerous professional and civic committees. In recognition of his leadership contributions, he received the Knights of Flying Fingers award from the National Association of the Deaf.

Dr. Forestal had a long and distinguished career as an educator and administrator. Most recently, he was Lecturer/Coordinator of the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program at San Diego State University in California. Prior to that, he was a professor of American Sign Language at several colleges and universities, among them, Mesa Community College, University of Wisconsin, Arizona State University, University of Utah, Frederick Community College, Suffolk Community College and State University of New York. He also was a high school Social Studies teacher, a Curriculum Specialist and school Principal. He published Attitudes of American Deaf Leaders toward Sign Language Interpreters, as well as articles related to history, leadership, American Sign Language and interpreting.

Larry received his BA from Gallaudet University in History, MA from Gallaudet University in Education of the Deaf and Ph.D. from New York University in Deafness Rehabilitation.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine Francini; his children, Kara Rudden (John), Darla, Sean (Megan), and Colin; step-daughter, Natalie Murphy (Keith); grandchildren, Lana, George, Alex, Ashley, and Caitlin; step-grandchildren, Steven, Montana, Kassidy, Delaney, Alannah, Taylor, and Johna; and great grandchild Vasilios. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ann Darnell; survived by his sister, Edna Olsen (Gary); and nieces and nephews. Larry was deeply loved and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Larry will be remembered for his love of history, his keen interest in genealogical research, his passion for the New York Yankees, and for his calm and genteel manner. He was an avid reader and would often share historical facts and stories. Abraham Lincoln was one of his inspirations. And he loved the beach. In fact, one of his last comments was that he wanted to walk on the beach with his wife, Gerry. May he rest in peace on an eternal, idyllic beach.

Memorial services will be held in the fall in New Jersey and Arizona. Donations in Larry’s memory can be made to the National Association of the Deaf, the American Cancer Society, or Father Thomas Coughlin–Dominican Missionaries of the Deaf Apostolate.