Deborah Ann Sharrow Kostka

Deborah Ann Sharrow Kostka, 73, of Weirton, passed away peacefully under the loving care of the staff of Allegheny General Hospital on Friday, December 6, 2024. Born in Steubenville, Ohio, on January 30, 1951, she was one of three children born to Samuel Joseph and Martha Dworzecki Sharrow.
"Debbie" was a vibrant, outgoing, loving soul known for her great sense of humor and nonjudgmental nature. She attended Saint Paul's Catholic Grade School and Weirton Madonna High School. She furthered her education at Steubenville Business College and the Radiologic Technology School at Saint John's.
She dedicated 25 years to Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville, where she rose to the position of head of the Radiology Department. A pioneer in her field, Debbie was instrumental in implementing the Medi-Tech training program and heavily participated in the community project to X-ray Halloween candy for safety.
Debbie's adventurous spirit shone through her love of travel and cruises with her beloved husband, Gary A. Kostka. The couple married on June 2, 1980, and shared many wonderful years together until Gary's passing on March 31, 2018. They especially loved snorkeling and exploring the beauty of Aruba.
Entertainment was a cornerstone of Debbie's life. She loved attending concerts, especially performances by local artists like Donnie Iris and B.E. Taylor. Beyond loving National Band Stand in her youth, she loved the music of Supertramp, Elton John, and The Doors.
Debbie's passions extended to the arts, where she enjoyed attending plays and musicals, with *Cats* holding a special place in her heart. A devoted sports fan, she cheered for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers and was an avid NASCAR enthusiast, particularly Dale Earnhardt Jr. Debbie even showcased her adventurous side by racing her Firebird at local drag strips with her brother.
Her hobbies included bowling in leagues at Steel Valley and Holiday Lanes, retail therapy, and collecting Snoopy and Woodstock memorabilia. She was a member of the K of C Women's Auxiliary and a faithful parishioner of Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church. Her love for our country and military extended into her heavy participation in the POW-MIA cause. Her "Favorite Marine" being David.
Debbie felt that all of her nieces' and nephews' careers and talents were cool hip outstanding, from engineers, military, healthcare, autobody, music acting, writing, and sports to the Toughest Sport on Dirt, Rodeo. "Just WOW!!!"
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joan Patricia "Trisha" Billcheck; her brother, Richard S. Sharrow; her niece, Laurie Vaughn Blaschak; and her nephew, Tom Billcheck.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Stone Sharrow, and Karen (Bob) Olszewski; cousins, Dan Robinson, Harold A., and Charles F. Otey; nieces and nephews, Richard M. "Rick" Sharrow, Joseph Sharrow (Sherry), Kristy Anderson (Joe), Steven Sharrow (Megan), David A. Vaughn, and Martha "Marti" Billcheck Welsh; her dear neighbors, Kyle and Bridget Ashley and Robert and Little Robert Slider; great nieces and nephews, Matt and Megan, Chip and Adam, Joey, Alexa, Chase, Jacob, Ryan, Andy, and Michael "FiFi". Debbie cherished her friendship with Mary Lou James and Kathy D' Alesio, William and Belvey Harrison, Paul Welsh, Sr., and many, many other friends, family, and her treasured cats, Blackie, Luckie, and Kitty.
Friends and family will gather to honor Debbie's remarkable life at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home with visitation hours on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 1-3 and 5-7 PM A funeral liturgy of the Word will be held at 7 PM.
Rev. Fr. Binu Sebastian will preside.
She will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Debbie's name to Tunnels to Towers at t2t.org.
Share tributes at www,grecohertnick.com