Deborah Ann Rafano
May 8th, 1955-October 14th, 2020
Dedicated Wife, Mother, and Grandmother
On October 2020, Deborah Ann Rafano returned home to her Heavenly Father and family.
She was born the second of three lovely daughters on May 8th, 1955 to her devoted parents Gaetano and Susan Maiorana, in Brooklyn, New York. Known for her warm personality, she lived in Brooklyn for most of her life, where she was a hairdresser and para-professional at P.S. 97.
Deborah was married just shy of 45 years to the love of her life, Leonard. Deborah was a devoted mother to her four children Leonard Jr., Christopher, John, and Gabrielle. Her devotion extended to her in-law children Rita, Melissa, Danielle, and Marc. She was a doting grandmother to her grandchildren Leonard III, Alexandra, Christopher, Marc, Corrinda, and Michael. She was anticipating the birth of her seventh grandchild, John Jr. She also proudly helped raise her friends daughter, Crystal.
Everything she touched turned to gold and she possessed an artistic ability that made everything around her more beautiful. In 2010, Deborah fulfilled a lifelong dream and built her own home on Staten Island. An excellent cook and avid baker, she was known to host family and friends at her table and welcome everyone. Her devotion to Saint Anthony produced a yearly party where she invited all to be blessed at her home. Her clients became friends, and she was known for creating the decor for all family parties.
She is survived by her dedicated husband Leonard, her four adoring children Leonard Jr., Christopher, John, and Gabrielle, and her admiring grandchildren Leonard, Alexandra, Christopher, Marc, Corrinda, and Michael. She is also survived by her loving mother, Susan Maiorana, her dear sisters Linda Maiorana & Joan Basile, brother in law Paul Basile, and her beloved nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her father Gaetano Maiorana, as well as many beloved family members.
Family and friends may pay their respects at Scarpaci Funeral Home, Friday October 16th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.
Her life will be celebrated on Saturday October 17th at 11am at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
Due to Covid-19, all visitors to the funeral home and church must wear masks, practice social distancing.