The Portland Public Schools mourns the loss of Joshua Seal, a beloved member of the Portland Public Schools community, who died Oct. 25 as a result of the shootings in Lewiston. Joshua, 36, who was deaf and the father of four children also part of the PPS community, was director of interpreting services for the Pine Tree Society and a former educational technician at East End Community School.

He was also known for interpreting the Maine CDC press briefings during the COVID-19 pandemic into American Sign language.

“Josh was a wonderful colleague and parent, but an even better person – smart, funny and kind,” East End Community School Principal Boyd Marley said. “He did work as an ed tech with the MECDHH [Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf] program at East End for a number of years and continues to have many friends here. Josh was a reassuring presence during COVID as we all watched him with pride as he interpreted for Dr. Shah during his many briefings.”

Joshua worked as an ed tech with the MECDHH program at East End Community School from 2013 to 2020. Joshua was at a cornhole tournament with other deaf friends at the time of the shooting.

The district extends its deepest condolences to Joshua’s family, friends and colleagues.

Joshua’s obituary can be found HERE. Here is a ABC news story about Joshua and his family: Deaf family grieves father of 4 killed in Maine shootings. See another obituary in the Portland Press Herald.