COKELY, Dennis R., 71, of Lexington, passed away on August 15, 2018. Devoted father of Scott Cokely and his wife Beth of San Francisco, CA, and Ryan Cokely of New York, NY. Proud and adoring grandfather to Leah Cokely. Dennis is also survived by his former wife of 29 years, Micky Cokely.

The oldest of five children of the late Edmund and Mary Cokely of Portsmouth, NH, Dennis was a loving brother to Maureen Cokely-Case (Ted) of Walpole, David Cokely (Diane) of Greenland, NH, Kevin Cokely (Karen) of Dallas, TX, and Donna Dupre (John) of Hudson. A caring uncle, Dennis leaves behind 5 nephews and 1 niece.

Dennis was a pioneer in the Deaf and American Sign Language interpreting communities. His personal and professional impact was wide reaching over the course of his career at Gallaudet University, as President of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), and through his work at the company he co-founded, Sign Media, Inc. For the past 22 years, Dennis has been passionately committed to Northeastern University where he most recently served as Professor of Cultures, Societies and Global Studies, and as the Director of the American Sign Language Program.

Calling Hours will be held Friday, August 24 at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington, MA from 4 pm to 7 pm . Relatives and friends are kindly invited. A memorial service will also be held at a later date at Northeastern University. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Learning Center for the Deaf, 848 Central St. Framingham, MA 01701 . Interment private.