Deborah DiCicco

Deborah DiCicco, 65, of Naugatuck, died peacefully at home on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her family after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. Debbie was born February 2, 1960, to Joseph and Maryagnes Pushefski, in Nanticoke, PA. She spent time in Pennsylvania as a child before moving to Connecticut. After graduating from Notre Dame High School in Fairfield in 1978, Debbie spent her early adult life helping people, first by working in a doctor’s office. When her children were born, she took time off to do what she loved best: being a mom. After her sons started school, Debbie began a 25-year career at Naugatuck Valley Community College, working in the Engineering program before moving to Financial Aid. She was very active on campus, supporting veteran students as they attended college and serving as the advisor for their student organization for many years. While working full-time, Debbie also completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University. As a first generation college student herself, she genuinely loved being able to support students in being the first in their family to achieve a college degree. After she retired, Debbie taught college transition courses, which brought her great joy as she worked with her students to help them be successful in college and beyond.

Outside of work, Debbie had a number of hobbies that kept her going. She loved restoring and finishing old furniture; watching Everybody Loves Raymond; a good polka dance; and vegetable gardening- tomatoes, peppers, figs, and whatever else was growing that year. What she loved most, though, was her family. Whether it was going for a ride around Litchfield County with her husband, travelling around the country to see her children, going to a George Strait concert, or spending time with the family dogs, Debbie always made sure that her family was taken care of before anything else.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 40 years, Bob; her sons, Matthew and Adam (Eavey); her mother; her brother Michael (Holly); and her beloved family dogs Maxwell, Sydney, Buck, and Meg. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. To celebrate Debbie’s life, a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Debbie’s care team, specifically Dr. Jo’an Tankou and Stephanie Daley, RN, for their help and tireless work over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, Debbie requested donations be made to the North Shore Animal League in Port Jefferson, NY; or to Halfway Home animal rescue in North Haven, CT.

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