Miss Deborah "Debbie" Poccia

UTICA - Miss Deborah “Debbie” Poccia, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 in the comfort and dignity of her home with those she loved most in her heart. Born in Utica on September 26, 1955, Deborah was the daughter of Anthony C. “Tony” Poccia and the late Sara (Internicola) Poccia. A lifelong Utica resident, Debbie attended Brandegee School Special Education, Washington School Special Education, and the ARC Oneida-Lewis. Years ago, Debbie’s parents, Tony and Sara, were very instrumental in building the foundation of The Arc. Debbie was an original member of the Arnold Avenue Day Services program when it opened in May 1981. In 1996, Debbie moved out of her parents’ home and joined the residential program at Brookside Ave. Debbie enjoyed the company of her housemates and looked forward to summer outings such as watching fireworks, attending parades, playing mini-golf, sitting on the porch in the sun, or just going out for a leisurely drive. But attention and coffee were at the top of her list! Debbie loved Lake George and would vacation there every year. She took pride in her home and liked to help around the house as she was able. Debbie’s favorite time was visiting with her father, Tony, and going to church with him. She was the true definition of being a “daddy’s girl”. She was his baby and he was her world. The love was immeasurable! She was a lovable person and a charming young lady affectionately called Po-Po. Debbie had the most beautiful smile and sparkling brown eyes! Her eyes showed the sweetness in her as well as her feisty ways. She had a zest for life and a spunky personality. She was easy to love as she gave love unconditionally. Debbie loved soft, warm hugs. She was just fun to be around and loved to joke with people. She loved to tease in a fun way as you would always get a laugh from her as she was doing it, and her laugh was contagious! She will be missed by so many people, and anyone who knew Debbie is thankful for their time with her. Debbie is survived by her father, Anthony C. “Tony” Poccia and special friend Jean Harlow; Jean’s son, Timothy (Cindy) Wandle; aunts and uncle, Mary Della Galla, and Vita and Richard Gonyea; cousins, Kathy and Michael Devine, John Poccia Jr., and Silvio Zinicola; special friend Lori Tabor and family; and her housemates at Brookside. She was predeceased by her mother, Sara; maternal grandparents, Nicolas and Rose Internicola; paternal grandparents, Antonio and Alvera Poccia; aunts and uncles, Nancy and Silvio Zinicola, Anthony Della Galla, John and Irene Poccia, Joseph and Judith Internicola, and Nicolas Internicola, Jr. Tony would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to everyone of the ARC for their support, care, and family-like concerns, including Caroline Bywater, Nichole Marlenga, Aubrey Rys, Anne DeCola, Danielle Saunders, Mikayla Ruskey, Denise VanGerner, Kristen Fitzgerald, Rosalind Davis, Nithsana Dongsavanh, Janice Nolander, and all staff that have cared for Debbie throughout the years both at her home and day program. Thank you to the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care for their compassion and support for Debbie and her father. A special thank you to Rev. Christine Williams-Belt and the parishioners of Grace Church for all the love that was given to Debbie over the years; and Deacon Reverend William R. Dischiavo of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church for coming to the house and praying with Debbie. Thank you, Debbie for teaching us what the true meaning of life is about! We love and miss you! Fly high Po-Po, until we meet again. Visitation will held Tuesday morning, February 23, 2021 from 10:45-11:45 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Debbie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 12:00 noon immediately upon conclusion of visitation at the church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Face masks covering your nose and mouth are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie’s name may be directed to the ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter, online at https://www.thearcolc.org or by mail to 245 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501. Envelopes will also be available at the church. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Debbie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Miss Deborah "Debbie" Poccia

September 26, 1955 - February 16, 2021