IDN Newsletter Obituaries

Jose Ruben Ferrer
March 15, 1943 to April 29, 2004

Jose Ruben Ferrer, 61, was born March 15, 1943 in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. He was the oldest of two sons born to Jose and Carmen Ferrer. Born premature he weighed just 4 pounds and the doctors gave him no more than a few days or weeks at the most to live. His mother Carmen asked God to spare him for just a little while and He did.

Shortly before his first birthday, his parents discovered Jose was hearing impaired. Immediately his parents searched for medical treatment. They were referred to the University of Chicago to obtain medical advice. In 1948 Jose's father Pepito was recruited by Inland Steel to work in East Chicago, Indiana. This was the opportunity the Ferrer's had been praying for. Pepito sent for his wife Carmen and their two sons Jose Ruben and Luis to join him in Indiana.

That same year the family began the constant process of trying to identify any possible treatment or cure. The final diagnosis was very discouraging for the young parents as they learned that there was really nothing medically possible to do for Jose. They recommended that Jose attend the Indiana School for the Deaf and Jose began school there in the fall of 1949. For twelve years he lived at the school from September to May. There he made many life long friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed and excelled in wrestling. In 1961, his senior year, he won the state wrestling championship for his weight class. When he returned home during the summers, his baby brother Luis became Jose's interpreter and Jose became Luis' protector.  He graduated ISD in 1961. 

The year following Jose's graduation his parents purchased a gas station in Hessville, Indiana where Jose worked as a mechanic until 1963. In 1962 he attended the Greer Shop Training Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated and received a certificate of completion for bodywork and fender repair. Jose later landed a job with the City of Gary working as the General Operator in charge of overall maintenance of all city parks. He worked there for 27 years until his retirement in 1995.

Through the First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana Jose met his first wife Linda Howell. They were married in 1969. From this union his first son Jose (Joe) Adam and his second child Laurie Denise were born.

On February 14, 1982 Jose married his high school sweetheart, Judith Ann Strezo. Jose proudly accepted Judith's son Maurice who she had from a previous relationship and loved him as his own. Together Jose and Judith created two additional children Carmen Ann and Ruben Luis. Jose was also a dedicated father who always made time for his children. There was nothing that he loved more than them. He continued his devotion with his 7 grandchildren as well.

Jose loved plants, animals and nature. He dreamed of owning a farm one day with lots of land and animals. He was an excellent gardener. Every summer he would plant a backyard full of fruits and vegetables and it would produce more food than his family could consume. A gift he inherited from his father. His love for animals would force him to take in every stray animal in the area. He could not refuse a homeless animal.

In 1998, after three years of retirement Jose packed up his family and moved them to beautiful Casselberry, Florida to be closer to his parents where he resided until his death on April 29th, 2004.

Jose Ruben Ferrer is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Judith, two daughters, Laurie Perez (Stephen) and Carmen Torres (Celestino), three sons, Jose Ferrer, Maurice Strezo and Ruben Ferrer, his parents Rev. Jose and Carmen R. Ferrer, his brother Rev. Luis Ferrer (Elsie), his grandchildren, Ashley, Alexander, Zachariah, Joseph, Jasmia, Jacob and Amanda, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Thanks to his mother Carmen’s prayers, God saw fit to spare him, and share him with all of us for just a little while. He will always be fondly remembered, loved and missed by us all.

In a message dated 3/29/04 10:13:25 PM, frjoe@iquest.net writes:

It is with a sense of sadness that I need to inform you of the death of Fr. Joseph Dooley. Fr. Dooley was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 1944. Thus, this is his 60th year of priesthood, and 64th year of ministry to the Catholic Deaf of Central and Southern Indiana. Fr.
Dooley was a longstanding member of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf and the International Catholic Deaf Association.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Thursday April 1, 2004
3 PM Reception of the body at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral
3 PM to 8:30 PM Visitation
7 PM Vigil Service (Prayer Service)

Friday April 2, 2004
11:00 AM Funeral Liturgy at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral with Procession to Calvary Cemetery. Since seating is limited, please arrive at the Cathedral by 10:15 AM.

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral
14th and Meridian
Indianapolis, IN

If you plan to attend or have any questions please contact Rev. Joseph Pesola, frjoe@netdirect.net Please write Deaf Ministry in the memo section so it doesn't get deleted as spam.

Since funerals are always on short notice, please spread the word regarding this event.

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In a message dated 3/29/04 6:18:37 PM, randallroberts@sbcglobal.net writes:

Jack A. Zook, 67 of Noblesville passed away Sunday evening at his home. Born October 8, 1936 in Hamilton County the son of Frank and Nellie (Bennett) Zook. Jack was in ISD class of '56, and retired in 1994 from Delco Remy Division of General Motors in Anderson, Indiana. He was co-founder of Indiana Bass Assc. for the Deaf, member of the National Bass Assc. for the Deaf, Mt. Zion Ministries in Fishers, Indiana, and the Indiana School for the Deaf Alumni Assc.

Jack is survived by his wife Elen, a son Jon Zook, 2 stepsons Timothy and Donald McCoy, Jr. 2 Brothers, George "Bob" Zook and Richard "Dick" Zook, six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Thursday 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Randall and Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan Street in Noblesville. A memorial service will be Friday 7:00 pm at Mt. Zion Ministries in Fishers, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Ministries or Indiana Bass Assc. for the Deaf.

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Donovan O. Noland Age 83, of Indianapolis, died March 28, 2004. He had been a machinist for Mitchel & Scott, retired in 1986. He was a member of Sr. Citizens Deaf Club and Baptist Temple Church. His wife, Elaine Noland preceded him in death. Mr. Noland is survived by sons Kenneth, Terry and Rick Noland; and daughter Connie Fiorito; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Center - Broad Ripple March 31, 2004 at 10 a.m. Friends may call Tuesday, March 30, 2004 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral center. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation. www.flannerbuchanan.com     --Indianapolis Star, March 30, 2004

Editor's note: Mr. Nolan attended Indiana School for the Deaf in 1940's

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In a message dated 3/18/04 4:01:19 PM, RCanty500 writes:

Hi Bob!
I was wondering if you could run an announcement in the Indy Deaf News for me.
Thanks,
Joyce.
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We will be having a Memorial Service for Malitta Louise (Alpha) Messer on Wednesday, March 24th at 10:00 am here at Millers Senior Living Community, 8400 Clearvista Pkwy. It will be in the Livingroom on the 2nd floor of the Apartment Bldg #2.

Malitta died in Community Hospital North on March 13th at age of 87 years old. She was born January 31st, 1917 in Manila, IN. Graduated from ISD in 1937.
If you want anymore information, let me know.
Joyce Ellinger

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In a message dated 3/10/04 6:11:04 AM, Lennymellenm writes:

Bob, I received an e-mail from Rose (Clipp) Stapleton, graduated from ISD in 1955. Her sister was Mildred (Clipp) Rissell. Please share Mildred's short obituary to IDN readers.
Thank you.
Ellen
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Mildred (Clipp) Rissell, 80, passed away on February 27th at nursing home in Pinellas Park, Fl. She was cremated and her ashes buried in her mother’s grave in Cincinnati. Mildred graduated from ISD in 1943.

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My mother Ruth M. Tester went with Lord on Sunday March 7, 2004 at 4:52pm. She was 67 years old.  My brother Dave, sister in law Janis, father Paul, grandma Gladys,
one friend and I were with her final hours of her life.

She had fought long enough with maligant tumor of Melanoma growing inside her sinus cavity for 7 years with many operations then stopped because doctors can't do more surgery again due to severe bleeding problems caused by cancer and it would not quit growing. Eventually within a few months, it spreaded through right eye into brain real rapidly and painful experience for her. Her face was deformed for a few months, too. She was hospitalized for 9 days then transferred to stay at Hospice for 5 days. She was popular and had visitors daily to comfort her and us. Fortunately, she was comfortable with Morphine injections every 4 hours before she departed. But unfortunately, she  barely communicate with us last few days and  eventually went into semi-coma on the same day she departed. We were so blessed to have her in our family. She will be missed very much by us and many friends across America. She was very blessed for her bravery and taught us all to be a fighter with faith. Survivors: My father Paul N. Tester, my mother's mother or my grandmother Gladys Thomas (age 97), Sister in Law Janis C. Tester, husband Henry F. Coleman, Niece Jennifer A. Tester, Nephews Daniel N. Tester and Dean A. Tester.

Memorial Service for her will be on Saturday, March 13th. at 2:00pm at Arlington Funeral Home (3901 N. Fairfax Drive Arlington, Va. 22203). You may send money in memory of my mother by writing her name: Ruth M. Tester.

Send money donations to this address in memory of Ruth M. Tester.
Halquist Memorial Inpatient Hospice Center
4715 North 15th. Street
Arlington, Va. 22205

Thank you with love,
Gina (Tester) Coleman
Noblesville, Ind.
Testerlady@aol.com


Editors note:
Ruth Tester went Virginia School for the Deaf and graduated at 15 yrs old in 1952, then went to Washington Lee High School, a public school in Arlington, Va. and graduated there in 1955.  Warren Beatty and Shirley McLaine were with Ruth. She attended Gallaudet College majoring in Psychology and Master in Vocational Rehabilitation. Submitted by Dave Tester

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Caroline E. Thomas (Pacella) passed away on February 23, 2004, at 3:15am at age of 79. She was born in New York City on November 6, 1924. She grew up attending St. Joseph School for the Deaf and lived in Indianapolis for about ten years. She is survived by 2 deaf children Nancy M. Hicks (Bankston), Wayne J. Bankston, and one hearing daughter Julia Canelli; also her 2 dearest grandchildren Enzo and Sabrina. There will be a memorial service for Caroline at Peace Lutheran Church for the Deaf on March 14th at 2pm.  For memorial contribution, you may make a check for the amount payable to Peace Lutheran Church of the Deaf, 6404 E. 46th St. indpls ind 46226.

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Steven Joseph Franklin 56, our beloved son passed away Feb. 24, 2004. He was born on April 23, 1947 in Indianapolis. He was the son of Wilbur and Jackie Franklin. Steven is also survived by daughter, Jennie Varela; granddaughter, Kristi Varela; sister and "brother", Soni and Steve Wright; sister and "brother", Angi and David Carpenter; nephews, Tyler, Boston and Levi. Steve graduated from the Indiana School for the Deaf in 1966 and went on to graduate from Temple Deaf Christian College. He shared his God given gifts with many friends and loved ones. He was an active member of the deaf congregation at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Greenwood, IN. He also served many years as a minister to the deaf in Dallas, Texas. Steven had such a heart to share Christ with others that he once rallied to bring people in to the church by promising to eat a live goldfish, and faithfully did so. One of his special memories was when he organized a trip for a group of 70 deaf children to go to the Bill Rice Camp in Tennessee for a week long Christian camp for the deaf. He loved Christ and his family, and we all love him and miss him dearly. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Usher Funeral Home, 2313 W. Washington St., Indpls. Friends may call on the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 and from 1 p.m. until services Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana Inc. Communication Services for the Deaf.  Friends may sign an online guest register at www.usherfuneralhome.com
The Indianapolis Star, February 26, 2004

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In a message dated 2/25/04 9:26:14 AM, dnpfaff@msn.com writes:

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I got e-mail from my friend and learned that Steve Franklin passed away. Now he is with Jesus Christ. Here is a copy from my friend's email.
In Christ,

Darrell

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Dear Friends,

     It is with great sadness that I must inform you that our dear friend and brother in Christ, Steve Franklin, passed away this evening. Steve's mother, Jackie, called me about 8:45 PM. Steve had gone out to lunch with them today, and had returned to their home to help them move. He complained of indigestion and a burning sensation in his chest. He took some Maalox, and his mother tried to get him to go to the hospital, but he told her he was feeling a little better. He wanted to go for a walk. His mother had a strange feeling about it, but he went for a walk. A few minutes later, she heard sirens. She and her husband walked up the street to the Ambulance, and Steve had collapsed, and someone had called 911. The Ambulance came right away, but Steve had already passed away. Steve will be at Usher Funeral Home at 2300 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.
     There will be a viewing Friday night, and the funeral is planned for Saturday with burial at Floral Park, Indianapolis. Details are pending. I will let you know as soon as I know more information. We loved Steve, and we will miss him greatly, but let us rejoice because we know Steve loved the Lord Jesus, and he is now rejoicing in His presence. Also, Steve can HEAR now ! I know He is thrilled to see Jesus and to hear His voice and to hear the angels singing, and I know he is free from all heartache and all sorrow and all pain. Please be in prayer for Steve's family during these difficult days.

Love in Christ,
Sharon Parmenter

Steve Franklin
Graduated from Indiana Deaf School in 1966
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In a message dated 2/25/04 9:50:24 AM, Pamela.Wilson@Anthem.com writes:

Please pass this on to your distribution list of deaf people.

Stephen Franklin graduate of Indiana School for the Deaf 1966has passed
away. He died suddenly from a heart attack on 2/24/04.

He will be shown at the Usher Funeral Home on February 27th and buried on
February 28th. Final details can be gotten after 2pm today by checking
the internet site at: www.usherfuneralhome.com or in Indianapolis Star tomorrow or Friday

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Harold M. Patrick 85, Indianapolis, died Feb. 23, 2004. Services: 2 p.m. Feb. 26 at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel with visitation from 12 p.m. until services. Indianapolis Star, 2/24/04.

(Editor's note:  I understood from someone saying Mr. Patrick went to ISD but left there around 1935. If you knew more about him, please let me know. Thanks.)

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To friends and family:

Marvin J. Marshall, 83, of Carmel Indiana, passed away peacefully Sunday February 15, 2004 with his family at his side. He was born June 10, 1920 in Idaho and grew up in Utah. He is survived by his loving wife of 53-years Teresa Marshall, children: Liza, Vernon & wife Jean, Carlyle, and Bren Marshall; grandchildren:Jennifer, Emily, Sean, and Shannon; and great-granddaughter Kirstie and a great-grandson on the way.

Marvin was teacher at heart, an athlete and a world traveler. He received numerous awards and recognition for contributions as an energetic and dedicated leader in the Deaf Community.

Marvin graduated from Gallaudet College in 1947, which is where he met his wife Teresa Millette. Marvin had a 39-year teaching career at the South Dakota (1947-51), Minnesota (1951-69), and Indiana (1969-86), schools for the Deaf.

Marvin boxed in tournaments for 16 years and was a Golden Gloves champion. Marvin was recognized as a Gallaudet University Hall of Fame member in 1995. In 2001, Marvin was inducted into the USA Deaf Sports Federation Hall of Fame.

Every year for 61 years, Marvin creatively designed, printed and mailed hundreds of Christmas Cards to relatives and friends all over the world.

Marvin was a strong advocate for the rights of deaf people through his participation and lifetime sponsorship of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Gallaudet University Alumni Association, and the National Association of the Deaf. Always working to enhance the quality of life of deaf people, he and
Teresa founded the Jr. NAD chapter in Minnesota. He served as a co-chair of the RID national convention in 1993 and received the Lester Stanfill Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Chapter of the RID in 1995. In 1997, Marvin was awarded the Laurent Clerc Award from the Gallaudet University Alumni Association for outstanding social contributions by a deaf person in the interest of deaf people.

Marvin and Teresa retired in 1986 and filled their days with activities related to organizations
of/for/serving deaf people and trips around the globe.

Despite a variety of symptoms of an unknown cause which first appeared in 1998, Marvin remained active in many community activities. Eventually, a progressive loss of muscle control was diagnosed as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Calling/viewing hours will be held on Friday, February 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Flanner
and Buchanan Mortuary 1305 E. Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220.

A celebration of Marvin's life will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 10:00 am at the Flanner and
Buchanan Mortuary 1305 E. Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made in Marvin's name to some of his favorite organizations:
The Marvin Marshall Scholarship Fund, ICRID, 6630 Loretta Court Indianapolis, IN 46227. -or-
The Gallaudet Class of 1947 Scholarship Fund, Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20002. -or- The Archibald Memorial Home Fund, Deaf Services, 8400 Clearvista Place, Indianapolis, IN 46256.

Marvin's family welcomes email messages from family and friends. Please send email messages to: marvinjmarshall@yahoo.com.

Marvin will be dearly missed by his family and friends!


Mary V. Packer 95, Indianapolis, died Dec. 9, 2004. Services: none. Calling: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at Flanner & Buchanan-Washington Park North Funeral Center. Burial: Washington Park North Cemetery.  Indianapolis Star, 12/10/04

Editor's note: Mrs Packer was Deaf had lived in Indianapolis for many years, and was a resident at Miller's Senior Liviing Community for a short time.

Flanner & Buchanan-Washington Park North Funeral Center is at
2706 Kessler Blvd, West Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46228  --317-251-5959