Ralph Fernandez passed away unexpectedly on January 4th, 2025. A first-generation Cuban-American hailing from southern California, Ralph was a long-time resident of Washington D.C. He earned his undergraduate degree from Gallaudet University in business management.
An ardent supporter of the Deaflympic movement, Ralph’s illustrious career included two Deaflympic medals in cycling, a stint with the Organizing Committee of the 2007 Salt Lake City Deaflympics, and a lengthy tenure as the International Committee for Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) Technical Director of Cycling from 2010-2017. He also coached at the 2006 World Deaf Cycling Championships in San Francisco and at the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei, and later served as Technical Director for international cycling competitions from 2010 to 2017.
Ralph’s tireless work to foster strong relations within the international Deaf sports community earned him the highest honor bestowed by the organization, the ICSD Medal of Honor, at the 2017 Summer Deaflympics in Samsun. He served as the CEO of ICSD, and was a board member of the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) from 2018 to 2023. Ralph’s skills as an artist also led to his creation of the former USADSF and the current Deaflympic logos.
Ralph was a true friend, lending a helping hand to anyone in need and working non-stop on every project he put his hands on. As CEO of ICSD along with his passion for cycling, adventure and new experiences, Ralph was able to travel the world. He built lasting friendships along the way and made a huge impact in the world of Deaf Sports. He will be sorely missed.
Ralph is survived by his mother, Magalis Fernandez; his two children Ryland and Sophia; sister, Josey Duffy and her family Bernard (husband), Jeremiah (Jennifer), Ana, and Zachary (children) and Riley, Daniel, and Taylor (grandchildren) who he met shortly before his passing.
A memorial service will be held at Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 on Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at 12:00PM in the Grand Hall followed by a light reception in the President Eisenhower Suite from 1:30 until 3:30PM.
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