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Joseph John Vaal, Ph.D., age 67 of Wilmette. Longtime psychologist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, administrator at several surrounding school districts, and Due Processing Officer for the ISBE. Beloved husband of Jac McBride. Loving father of Lauren (Brian) Forgas; loving step father of Anna (Christine) Nannicelli and Joseph Torricelli; proud grandfather of Aaron and Cole Forgas; dear brother of Mike (Sue) Vaal. Visitation Saturday, February 28, 2015, 10:30 a.m. until time of Celebration of Life Service, 11:30 a.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, Development Department,1550 Bishop Court, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990
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My thoughts and prayers are with you, and my heart goes out to you. I Hope that you find comfort in the good memories you have, and in knowing that he is in a better place.
Courtney Schaal
March 3, 2015
I was so sad to read the obituary about Joe. Joe actually helped hire me at Sandburg School in Wheaton in December 1972. He and the principal, Ben Heaton, interviewed me for the position. I was coming in as a brand new special education teacher in the middle of the year. I would be the third teacher in that room. Well, I got the job! Joe helped me a lot with the behavior mod program that he had set up for the room . I learned a lot from him. He was so kind and knowledgeable. H e later got me involved with the special education due process system for the state of Illinois. I became a hearing officer.
I feel very sorry that I had not kept in contact with this wonderful man who had been so instrumental in my career!
I also remember that his daughter, Lauren, went to Madison School. I taught at Madison after I returned from a maternity leave.
I have many memories of Joe in our meetings. It was so inspiring to read the other entries and hear the impact he had on so many people.
I don't know what happened for him to pass at such a young age. It is such a shame that such a dear person has passed away so young. I'm so sorry for his families loss!
Diane (Bernklau) Talbot
March 3, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had the privilege and honor of having Joe as my supervisor at WMS as I began my special education teaching career. Joe was always calm and collected with the children's best interests at heart. I learned a wealth of information and strategies form him that made me a better educator. He will be missed. May you find the calm and peace now that he always imparted on those around him.
Erica Veronie
March 2, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your
time of grief. May your memories bring you
comfort.
The staff of Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
February 27, 2015
I had the privilege of working with Joe through the Illinois School Psychologists Association. Joe had such a high sense of integrity and was always an advocate for children. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed.
Nancy Scott
February 26, 2015
What a dear man. He had a genuine love of children that showed through his work every day. I had the pleasure of working with him at WMS. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ellen Crahan
February 25, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss and offer the deepest condolences to the family at the passing of Dr. Vaal. I hope you know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Mark Schaal
February 25, 2015
My most sincere sympathy goes out to Joe's family. He was a caring and dedicated special education colleague who will long be remembered for his contributions to the field. i will miss the opportunity to seek his advice, especially regarding legal issues. May he rest in peace.
Ellen DeJulio Lilly, Ed.D.
February 24, 2015
Dr. Joe was my supervisor at WMS for several years. I will always remember him as a kind, intelligent man with a great sense of humor. Some of the stories he told me about his college years were hilarious. He loved his family and spoke fondly of his children and glowed when talking about his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Lauri Delfeld
February 24, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I had the privilege to work with Joe when he was at Woodland Middle School. He had such an understanding and great compassion for the kids as well as being easy to work with. Joe always made time for all of us and treated everyone with respect. I remember how proud he was of his family as he always glowed whenever we talked about our families. Again, I send my deepest sympathy.
Polly Rosenberg
February 24, 2015
Jac and family,
So very sorry to hear this news. Loved Joe, I have never met a kinder soft spoken man. He loved kids and I know he loved all of you. He beamed when he talked about his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Love and hugs at this time,
Vicki and Bob Holland
February 24, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Green Team of Rainbow Hospice
February 24, 2015
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Feb
28
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
Feb
28
11:30 a.m.
Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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