It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Joseph P. Finnegan, Jr., former Head of School (then titled Headmaster) at Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, who passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026. We join together as a community in remembering a leader whose vision and dedication continue to shape PSD today.
Born on June 10, 1945, in Swansea, Massachusetts, Joe dedicated his life to the education of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. After graduating from Providence College, he began his career in Deaf education at the Mystic School for the Deaf and went on to serve in leadership roles at several prominent institutions, including the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, the American School for the Deaf, and later as President of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. He also served as Executive Director of CEASD, extending his influence and advocacy on a national level.
Joe served as PSD’s 13th Head of School from 1978 to 1987, guiding the school through a pivotal period in its history. During his tenure, he led the transition from an oral philosophy to a signing environment and oversaw the relocation from the Mount Airy campus to Germantown. His leadership not only ensured the school’s stability during a time of significant change, but also helped establish a future rooted in accessibility, language, and community.
Building on this foundation, Joe prioritized creating an environment where Deaf students had direct access to Deaf role models. Under his leadership, the school began intentionally placing Deaf staff with pre- and primary-aged students, reinforcing the importance of early access to sign language and Deaf culture in supporting cognitive, social, and language development.
Reflecting on his legacy, Joseph Fischgrund, who succeeded him as Head of School at PSD, shared:
“Joe will be remembered as a tireless advocate for deaf children, a fearless defender of schools for the deaf, a visionary leader, and a true gentleman”
Many in the PSD community remember Joe for the personal connections he built with students, alumni, and colleagues alike. His ability to communicate directly in sign language left a lasting impression, fostering meaningful relationships and reinforcing the importance of access and connection. He encouraged students to pursue their goals with confidence, supporting their growth both during their time at PSD and as they moved forward into higher education and beyond.
That personal impact grew into a broader legacy, as his leadership shaped not only individual lives but also the direction of PSD and the wider Deaf education community. Colleagues remember him as a trusted mentor and advisor whose guidance spanned decades. His leadership helped PSD navigate significant challenges while strengthening its commitment to providing a fully accessible, bilingual education, leaving the institution stronger and more resilient for future generations.
His impact continues to be felt at PSD today. As current Head of School Melissa S. Draganac-Hawk noted, his leadership helped lay the foundation for PSD’s identity as a bilingual school, a legacy that remains central to the school’s mission and community. His vision continues to influence the way PSD supports students, centers language, and fosters an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Joe is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their children, Patrick and Elizabeth (Beth). His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and in the enduring strength of the institutions he helped shape.
During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire PSD community.
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Memorial Service
Tuesday, April 14th – 10 AM
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church
37 Lovett Street, St. Augustine, FL
ASL Interpreters will be present. For those who can’t make the service it will be live streamed on the church website/YouTube page
Wake
Tuesday, April 14th – 6-9 PM
Meehan’s Irish Pub (Johnny’s Oyster Bar Upstairs)
20 Avenida Mendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084