Debby McGorty

1953 - 2022

Debby McGorty, 68, of Secaucus, NJ, passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 21, 2022 after a long battle with complications from COPD. Debby was born on October 1, 1953, to John and Mary McGorty in Weehawken, NJ. She was one of seven children that helped raise each other after the tragic death of her parents at just 15 years old. Debby attended St. Augustine's grammar school in Union City and began her high school education at Holy Family High School in Union City before transferring to Weehawken High School. After graduating from Weehawken HS in 1971, she went on to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. She began her career as an officer with the Hudson County Corrections Department where she worked in the jail and continued to pursue advancement within the field. Breaking barriers for all women in the state of New Jersey, Debby graduated from the Jersey City Police academy to become the first female police officer in Hudson County. She was a true trailblazer for women in law enforcement. She joined the Hudson County Police Department in 1980 where she served as a patrol officer for over 16 years. Debby was extremely active within the department, acting as a field training officer and leading the union as PBA president up to and through their unfortunate disbandment in 1996. Shortly thereafter, Debby joined the rank and file of the Weehawken Police Department where she continued to serve for the remainder of her Law Enforcement career. Debby was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2008 and retired from the Weehawken Police Department in 2010 after having dedicated over 30 years to her Law Enforcement career. Debby is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Patrick Russo, her three daughters, Jamie, Danielle and Erin, her stepson, Thomas J. Russo and son-in-law, Richard Fisher. Debby leaves behind her two grandsons, Mason and Gavin Fisher as well as her granddaughter, Alexandra Russo. She is survived by her siblings, John, Brian and Thomas McGorty and her two sisters, Mary McGorty Costa and Karen McGorty and is predeceased by her brother, Kerry Joe McGorty. Debby also leaves behind many neices and nephews, extended family members, a plethora of friends and an entire family of blue. A visitation for Debby will be held Sunday, September 25 from 1 to 4 & 6 to 9PM at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Monday, September 26 at 10:30 AM at St. Lawrence RC Church, 22 Hackensack Ave, Weehawken, NJ. In lieu of flowers donations in Debby's name may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.st.jude.org/donate