Deborah Zelinsky 1953-2026

Born Sept. 4, 1953, in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Joseph Sr. and Julia Graban Sirilla, Deborah embodied the strong will and big personality of her parents and siblings.

Her greatest love was family and becoming a baba, who all share this loss together with nothing but fond memories and smiles she put on our faces.

She was a graduate of Campbell High School, Class of 1971. As a junior there, she also attended classes at beauty school, graduating from the Louis, Weinberg & Hill School of Beauty as a licensed beautician. Upon graduation, she transitioned to being a small business leader for more than 40 years; she co-owned Poland Hairworks and deeply loved bringing her artistic passion to life for her clients.

A lifelong member of St. John Orthodox Church, Deborah was also a member of its Ladies Altar Society. A proud leader and member of the Campbell “O” Club, she volunteered a lifetime of service to her church family, with whom she traveled the country, planned events and built the types of friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Deborah leaves behind her thankful and devoted husband, Thomas “Zeke” Zelinsky, whom she married July 19, 1981; her son, Andrew Zelinsky and his wife, Katie Garrity, of Pittsburgh; her beloved granddaughter, Stella, whom she adored and was the apple of her eye; her sister-in-law, JoAnn Sirilla; and her closest cousin, Cindy Ferrick (the Ethel to her Lucy).

Alongside her immediate family, she leaves dozens of nieces and nephews, even becoming a great-great-aunt just days before her passing, which became one last moment of pride, saying, “I knew I was great, but now I’m even greater.”

Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Sr. and Julia Sirilla; one brother, Joseph Sirilla Jr.; and three sisters, Laurissa Rusnak and her husband, Dr. Walter Rusnak, Priscilla Sirilla and Myrna Tucci.

Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring Deborah’s life; they may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, where the Orthodox Panikhida service will begin at 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, with calling hours prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Campbell. Deborah’s beloved nephew, the Very Rev. Benjamin Tucci will celebrate services in partnership with St. John’s current pastor, the Very Rev. Andrew Bartek, and longtime St. John’s pastor, the Very Rev. John Steffaro (retired).

Professional arrangements are being handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road (Route 224) Poland, OH 44514.

For family and friends to send condolences, visit www.higgins-reardon.com.

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