Alfred Ernest Corrado Jr., 80, Altoona, passed away Sept. 8 at his residence.

He was a 1961 graduate of DePaul Institute of Pittsburgh, a 1965 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1970 graduate of Gallaudet College, Washington, D.C., the global leader in education for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Corrado had been a scenic painter at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He made his mark as the co-founder and artistic director at the International Visual Theatre in Paris, France, in 1977, the first theater in France dedicated to deaf culture, with productions created and performed by deaf artists.

“At this time, sign language wasn’t recognized and it was a shame to sign,” said Celine Remplon, a deaf journalist at Mediapi. “Alfred was an artist and taught to deaf people to play in the theater. They took confidence in themselves and discovered they have talents and skills. They realized that sign language is such a beautiful gift.”

Alfred Ernest Corrado Jr. was the co-founder in 1977 and artistic director at the International Visual Theatre in Paris, the first theater in France dedicated to deaf culture, with productions created and performed by deaf artists. Courtesy photo

During his career, he was recognized with the Medal of Merit from the France National Deaf Association and for his service and leadership in the deaf community with the Golden Hands Award.

Renowned as a deaf artist, Corrado distinguished himself not only through his creative talent, but also through his activist commitment to the recognition of sign language and deaf rights, said IVT communications director Rubis Alexandre Daniel. Daniel said that Corrado leaves behind an indelible legacy in the field of visual arts and theater.

“Through the IVT, Alfred Corrado not only contributed to the creation of performances, but also helped to elevate the visibility and legitimacy of French Sign Language at a time when it was still largely marginalized,” Daniel said. “The theater served as a platform for exploring visual communication in all its forms, with Corrado playing a crucial role both in artistic direction and in advocating for deaf culture.”

Julien Bourges of Production Bourges made a documentary about Corrado for his audiovisual association.

“Alfred Corrado was a true artist, a humble man. He never sought the spotlight. He was kind, approachable, and could engage in conversation with anyone. He expressed himself easily, with the beauty and sensitivity of a poet,” Bourges said. “Thanks to him, society changed its perspective on deaf people and sign language. Whereas the deaf were often viewed as insane or incapable, Alfred helped reverse these prejudices, showing that the deaf could express themselves and perform in theater. He transformed the history of the deaf in France by bringing deaf culture to life and promoting sign language. He leaves behind an eternal legacy.”

Alfred Ernest Corrado Jr. (left) poses in 2017 with the three other co-founders of IVT, (from left) Bill Moody, Ralph Robbins and Jean Gremion, at the 40th anniversary of the theater’s founding in Paris, France. Courtesy photo

Corrado’s death has prompted a wave of tributes, particularly from the deaf community, which remembers him as a pioneer and builder for visual arts and the recognition of sign language, Daniel said.

“Alfred is now part of the history of the deaf in France. The French deaf community will be forever grateful to him. He is a very important figure, an eternal icon,” Bourges said. “His passing saddens me deeply. We spoke almost every day via video calls. I have lost a friend, but he will remain forever in my thoughts and in my heart.”

A funeral service for Corrado was held Friday, with interment at Calvary Cemetery.

The IVT will hold a tribute to Corrado at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

“This event will honor his pivotal role in the development and recognition of sign language and deaf identity. We will pay our respects, fully aware that the flame he ignited continues to live on within us,” Daniel said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.