Mrs. Deborah M. "Debbie" (Yacco) Bevivino

UTICA – Mrs. Deborah M. “Debbie” (Yacco) Bevivino, age 56, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in the tranquility and peace of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in New Hartford on January 7, 1967, Deborah was the daughter of Joanne (Grasso) Yacco and Dominick Yacco. She attended St. Agnes Grammar School and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1985. She then attended Herkimer County Community College where she concentrated her studies in stenography. On May 3, 1997, Debbie married Jerry Bevivino. The two were extremely well matched and enjoyed each other during their 26 years together. Jerry became accustomed to Debbie’s ways in the early years and met all Debbie’s requests. When she became ill, Jerry couldn’t do enough to help. Though when Debbie needed to show her independence, he trusted her strength and judgement. One of the greatest blessings of their relationship was knowing that the other would always be there, whether it be listening, respecting, or compromising to keep peace and harmony in their hearts. Debbie could always find work in service industries. At one time she worked with Petrone and Petrone as a legal secretary. She later held employment with the Chesterfield Restaurant where she partnered with the vision of Sal Borruso. She also was a helpful hand and creative mind to her in-laws who operated the memorable Belvedere’s Market. In April of 1996, she began as a waitress at Georgio’s Village Café and quickly rose up the ranks to become manager, as well as a trusted and beloved friend and confidant to Judy Gorea. She had a wonderful eye over everything in her life, which could be both a blessing and a detriment to her family and others. She was a gifted soul who touched and made a mark on so many people. She was honest and forthright, loyal and true to her commitments. She was never afraid to speak her piece. Everything Debbie touched had her memorable mark upon it. Whether through her wise words or her sometimes blunt statements, she stayed true to herself and always maintained control. Debbie was truly one in a million. As a mother, she was also her son and daughter’s best friend. She knew both of their hearts and wanted them to be the best that they could be. She wished for them to challenge themselves academically and build their individual characters. She took great care to be connected to them and was truly a passionate mama bear. A fabulous cook, she was creative in her kitchen. One of the most unique things she did was in preparation for dinner for her husband and children, she would plate their meals to ensure they were well fed. Baking became a second art form for her. Her ability to prepare some of the most unique desserts was so impressive. Sentimentally, out of love for her Grandma Grasso, she was so proud to have had her treasured cookie recipes and to maintain the traditions that meant so much to her. Her passion for cooking was evident in her numerous freezers that were always well stocked. She also had the gift of being able to present her meals in a beautiful way. Her signature dish was her lasagna ~ the more ricotta, mozzarella, and meat the better – you had to be a weightlifter to carry it! One of Debbie’s greatest enjoyments, in addition to those above, was travelling. She began in her youth with friends and concluded with numerous trips with her brother and sister-in-law. Debbie appreciated her parents, her brother, and all her extended relatives. Spending time with her family was of the utmost importance to her. She also loved her Enzo, their Golden Retriever who was always by her side and gave her security and joy. When she received her diagnosis, she strove to keep things normal for her family’s sake. She never complained and always said she was feeling great. She wanted normality above all else. She had such a positive attitude. She never really knew how loved and well-regarded she was in this community. Her presence could truly light up a room. She humbly just took each day, gave it her very best, and worried about the things that were important to her. She impacted so many people with her vivacious, outgoing, and humorous ways. She had her last hurrah at her nephew and niece’s wedding which will be so memorable to all. Debbie was very spiritual but held it close to her heart. She knew that the Lord would provide for her. She was member of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; her 2 precious children, Vincent Anthony “Vinny” Bevivino, and Dominique Rose Bevivino and James Luther, Jr.; step-children, Marcella Gallagher, and Francesco Bevivino; her mother, Joanne Yacco; her father, Dominick Yacco and his wife Marianne; her brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Carolyn Yacco; and her step-siblings and their spouses, Lisa and Mike Pavia, and their daughter, Sophia, and Carrie and Steven Klepadlo, and their son, Robert. She will live in the hearts of her nieces and nephews, Steven and Kathleen Yacco, Jessica and Tim Holmes, Sarah Yacco who was also her goddaughter and fiancé Zach Evans, David Zongrone, Matteo Bevivino, and Alivia Bevivino; her aunts and uncles, Elaine and Joseph Madia, and Patricia and Albert Zumpano; her cousins particularly Dr. Marissa Kalil and her family, she was a guiding light for everything during Debbie’s illness; her mother-in-law, Antonia “Gianna” (Sezzi) Bevivino and her late husband Mario; and her in-laws, Maria C. and David Zongrone, Francesca Bevivino, Mario A. Bevivino, Giordano Bevivino, and Matthew and Stacey Bevivino. She was blessed to have numerous wonderful friends who were like sisters to her, Kim Montanarelli, Dana Mosca, Michele Mandia, Judy Gorea, Deanna Ambrose, Debbie Malek, and Michelle Mancuso, they were incredible friends who brought each other much love and comfort. “By chance they met, by choice they became friends.” She was preceded by her godmother, Phyllis Lasota. The Bevivino and Yacco families are grateful to the wonderful and inspiring physicians and caretakers who assisted Debbie during her health journey, especially Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and the staff of Hospice. Not everyone can find the comfort of so many who treasured and honored her journey. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Deborah’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Debbie’s honor may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. online at www.hospicecareinc.org/donate-online; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Deborah M. "Debbie" (Yacco) Bevivino

January 7, 1967 - November 25, 2023