Mark Corson

At age of 15, he left Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD) early to enroll Gallaudet College in 1963. There, he became Class and Student Body Government president emerging into one young fine Deaf leader. He was supposed to be awarded an honorary high school diploma next month (50 years later) that he never received.

He loved Deaf people. He loved to see athletes succeed. He loved to do things right. He had so much of passion in Deaf sports. He became president of Valley Silent Club (San Fernando) for 9 years. He was on Benny Maucere’s team in winning several national titles. He eventually became Commissioner of the Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf (FAAD) serving in four terms; (1981-1983; 1985-1987; and 2009-2012 and 2012 to present.) On national level, Mark also served as USADB Deputy Commissioner from 1994-1996 under Bennie Maucere and as Executive Director between 1996-1999. In between, he managed basketball team for a Deaf club, Hollywood. Also, he founded a Deaf club, Dynamingle that won 3 straight USADB titles.

In his third term of service as FAAD Commissioner (2009), he was one of main reasons behind in FAAD’s reconciliation with USADB. He did not like what he saw in 2009 and jumped in in order to preserve strong FAAD’s history. Most importantly, he was always very proud of bringing top-notch men and women teams to national tournament that won many championships over the years. Most recent recognition was in 2012 when FAAD was voted Region of the Year reflecting his and board’s work.

Without doubt, many people from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, FAAD, and AAAD/USADB communities will miss him. Thank you, Mark, for all what you have done for the Deaf sports community. Rest in peace, Mark.

Mark is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lena Corson and sons Laurent & Leo. Mark is also survived by older brother, Dr. Harvey Corson, who is a well-known leader in Deaf Education, and his wife, Mary Ann. AAAD/USADB and FAAD extend their greatest sympathies to the Corson family.