Deborah DiFrancesco 1959-2021

She was born April 23, 1959, in Warren, the daughter of Cosmo and Lois DiFrancesco.

She was a 1977 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, where she was a member of the marching band and National Honor Society. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Youngstown State University (special education and elementary education), a Master Of Science degree in education (special education) from Youngstown State University and an EdS degree (education administration — K-12 leadership) from Kent State University.

Hired Aug. 27, 1984, she had 38 years of service to the Youngstown City School District, where she was a teacher, mentor, lead mentor and teacher on special assignment. Debbie became an administrator in 2004. She was an assistant principal and then principal at Rayen Early College Middle School. For the past two years, Debbie had worked in the human resources department as coordinator / director.

Debbie’s passion was her many jobs in the Youngstown City Schools and her staff, but most importantly her love for her students.

She enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians, Cavs and Browns. She was an avid fan. She loved going on rides through Mill Creek Park during all the seasons. She loved to read and she always had a book nearby.

She is survived by her mother, Lois DiFrancesco; siblings, Fred (Maureen) DiFrancesco of Galena, Kathi Jo (Aaron) Foreman of Howland and Joseph (Ellen) DiFrancesco of Austintown. She was an amazing and loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, John DiFrancesco, Joey DiFrancesco, Danielle DiFrancesco, Alex DiFrancesco, Dominic DiFrancesco, Rachael DiFrancesco, Erica DiFrancesco, Gina DiFrancesco and Gabriella Foreman; and great-nieces, Katya Hesse and Sofya DiFrancesco.

She was preceded in death by her father, Cosmo DiFrancesco.

Family and friends may pay their respects 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (St. James Church), 2532 Burton St. SE, Warren, OH 44484, with the Rev. Christopher Cicero and the Rev. John Trimbur concelebrating. Per the church, all attending Mass are required to wear masks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any and all donations to be made to Rayen Early College Middle School, in Debbie’s memory, at Rayen Early College Middle School, 58 Williamson Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook and send condolences to the family.

(special notice)