Debra A. Lilli

Debra A. Lilli, an esteemed professor of literature and writing, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Chepachet, Rhode Island, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 25, 1953, in Cranston, Rhode Island, Debra lived life with a fierce spirit, filled with teaching, music, travel, and cherished family moments. 

Debra devoted more than 30 years to educating students at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Along with her CCRI colleagues, Debra developed a successful non-traditional class, “The Hero’s Journey,” to incorporate basic skills with enlightening self-reflection that cultivated her students’ confidence in their own hidden talents. Her impact on students was profound, guiding many towards successful career paths and enabling them to meet, and even, exceed, their dreams.

 In addition to her academic achievements, Debra was a pioneering female musician during the vibrant 1980s. As an accomplished bass guitar player for the band Hi-Beams, she shared a memorable career with family members who were part of the band. After Hi-Beams, Debra continued her musical life in collaboration with many more local bands and songwriters. 

Cooking and hosting family gatherings, especially during holidays, were a source of joy for Debra. She skillfully prepared traditional Italian meals for her loved ones, with her meatballs being a particular favorite. Of course, Debra was known as the "Fun Aunt," a title that reflected her dedication to her nieces, nephews, and devotion as a grandmother, teaching her six grandchildren about literature and a manner of music styles. Whether tending to her vegetable garden, where she grew gigantic tomatoes, relaxing at the beach reading Dante's Inferno, drinking margaritas with her friends, or playing with her extended family of cats, she embraced life’s simple pleasures with gusto. 

Her commitment to her students, her music, and her family were matched only by her creativity and enthusiasm for a personal life lived large. Until the final days of her brief illness, Debra wrote, sang, read, and traveled passionately. She appreciated day trips to Block Island, mornings on her husband’s shell fishing boat, and visits to her favorite destination, Italy, all with the same curiosity and joie de vie.

 Debra was the beloved daughter of to the late Vincenza (Piccolantonio) and Joseph Olerio, Sr. She leaves behind her husband, Steven DiPetrillo; her daughter Sarah Lilli and son-in-law Nicholas Downing; her sons Nathan Lilli and David Lilli; her stepdaughter Lea Wyatt and son-in-law Justin Wyatt; her stepson James DiPetrillo and daughter-in-law Lauren DiPetrillo; her brother Joseph “Buddy” Olerio; her brother Louis Olerio; her brother Alfred Olerio; her brother Matthew Olerio; her brother John Olerio; and her former husband Louis Lilli. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren: Autumn Lilli, Ellie DiPetrillo, Marina DiPetrillo, Kenna Wyatt, Karder Wyatt, and Allison Wyatt. Debra is preceded in death by her brother, James Olerio. 

A visitation will be held on February 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Nardolillo Funeral Home located at 1278 Park Ave, Cranston, RI. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to Hope Health Hospice, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 5041, Boone, IA, 50950-0041. or pancan.or