BRADENTON, FL – Debra Lynne Leone, age 57, formerly of Deerfield and currently of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2019 in the comfort of her home. Born in Utica on March 18, 1962, Debra was the daughter of Antonio “Anthony” Leone, Sr. and the late Dorothy May (LoNero) Leone. She was a graduate of Holland Patent High School/Class of 1980 and continued her education at MVCC where she earned an Associate degree in Graphic Design.
She was employed by Chicago Market at their corporate office as a Graphic Designer. At one time, she was married to Peter Mazurkiewicz with whom she shared a joyful and loving union. She also shared in a 10 year relationship with David Fitts; they were truly a blessing to one another and remained friends to the very end.
Deb relocated to Florida to be closer to family, and she continued her career path in graphic design at the Aston Entertainment Company. She then accepted a position working in Management and Customer Relations at the Joan Michlin Galleries at Saint Armands Circle in Sarasota, a business specializing in fine customized jewelry. Lastly, Deb assisted her brother in his corporations and was instrumental in carrying out her responsibilities in all aspects of his business.
She was beloved by her brother Antonio for being such a loyal and steadfast part of his life and livelihood. In fact, Debra was the rock that her siblings and family stood upon, especially after the loss of their mother. She was a natural caregiver who selflessly stood by her parents during her entire life.
She was magnetic in her love of family, and because she was so respected, the generations adored her. It was easy to love her because her commitments were real and close to her heart, and she was passionate in caring for others. Deb was the go-to person.
She was an admired hostess and a superb cook who prepared favorite family meals for all the special occasions and memorable times. Her siblings followed her lead, and she always had the last say. Debra successfully assumed the matriarchal role of the family with grace and sincerity, and to know that her family acknowledged this through their unbreakable bonds was an honor she held high in her heart.
Deb loved the sandy shores of the ocean and spent time at Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Her favorite pastimes were freelance photography, being a jewelry collector and antiquing, an avocation she learned from her mom and how proud she was of that! She was a natural at gardening, could be counted upon to be the event planner for any family affair, and was experienced in refurbishing and refinishing furniture.
She was truly a woman of many talents! Grounded in her Catholic faith, Deb knew her Lord and relied on him to show her the way. Debra is survived by her beloved dad, Antonio; her siblings and their spouses, Reyne D. and Raymond Malara, Tryce P. and Craig M. Newman, Antonio “Tony” Jr. and Pamela Leone, and Patrick M. Leone; nephews and nieces, Raymond III and Stacy Malara, Andrea R. Malara, and Deanna L. Malara; Alyce J. Newman, and Derek M. Newman; Antonio Leone III, and Brianna Y. Leone.
Aunt Deb loved her great nieces, Desire, Ariella, and Aleena; and her great nephew, Zoleil. She also leaves her aunts and uncles, Mary DiGristina, Angeline “Shirley” and Frank Cannistra, Russell F. and Laura Leone, Violet Leone, Flora Leone, Marie and Henry Terchowitz, and Jack Morse; a host of great and special cousins; and her best friends and extended family, Claribel Rivera, Darlene Fitts and Shannon. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Pasquale and Fortunata Leone; maternal grandparents, Dominick R. and Cicely LoNero; aunts and uncles, Carmella and John Caputo, Victor C. Sr. and Carmella “Cora” Leone, Rocco A. Sr. and Angeline Leone, Theresa and Al Stivali, Lena H. Bruzzese Papa and her husband Paul Bruzzese and Anthony Papa, Joseph V. Leone, Kathryn A. and Frank Delia, Frank B. and Grace Leone, Pasquale “Patsy” Leone, Charles DiGristina, Blanche and Dominick Neri, and Beverly Morse; and her cousins, Florence R. “Florie” Rizzo, Luke Bruzzese, Mike Neri, Pasquale V. Leone, and Marilyn A. (Guido) Leone.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Debra’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:45 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow graveside in Carr Cemetery in Marcy.
Any donations in Debra’s honor will be shared with a not-for-profit organization supporting children in the foster care system. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Debra Lynne Leone please visit our Sympathy Store.
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