Obituary of Debbie Potenzone

Potenzone, Deborah “Debbie” age 72 of Totowa passed suddenly at home on April 30, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, PA , she was raised in Bloomfield, NJ. She married her high school sweetheart and made her life with her family in Totowa Borough for the past 50 years . She  played an active role as a resident. She was known from Apollo Cards & Flags and many considered her the town Mom. She always had a houseful and entertained to all hours of the night. She had pizza and pasta parties, her famous pancakes, chicken cutlets, grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade mac & cheese, macaroni, salad, and more. She hosted multiple sleepovers, nightly hangouts, hosted every holiday for all and was known to move in kids from the neighborhood who needed a place to stay. As an only child, she prided herself on her 4 children and keeping the bond between them strong. She literally lived for her family. She was like a taxi for 4 children and all of their friends. She never missed their sport events and even helped with the Girl Scouts. She was there for everyone always looking to help in any way she could. Debbie was everyone’s friend. She loved all animals. She had many birds, cats, dogs, and other animals in her home through the years. She was obsessed with Hallmark movies and watched them over and over even knowing the ending. She loved to gaze at the stars, and was known for taking pictures of rainbows as well as sunsets and sunrises all the time, her favorite place being Aruba. She looked forward to attending church every Sunday. She was best known as “Nanie” to her beloved 9 grandchildren and their friends. She made a habit of texting each of her grandchildren every single night, and telling them how much she loved them before she went to bed.

Life will never be the same for her family without her here but they focus on finding peace knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Gary Potenzone Sr. (in 2014) and her only son Gary Potenzone Jr. (in 2021)

She was preceded in death by her parents Wilbur O’Connor & Rachael (née Gontz). Devoted Mother of Dina Vigorito and her husband Sam, Kimberly Aliano and her husband Giovanni, and Dr. Kristin Potenzone Tomasello and her husband Joseph. Loving Nanie to Alexandra, Shawn, Dante, Gianna, Enza, Nino, Milania, Jade, and Colton. Also survived by her daughter-in-law, Jillian Rubestello.

Sister-in-law of Jean & Anthony Stella, Jo-Anne and the late Albert Potenzone, Qurita and the late Carlo Potenzone. Loving Aunt to several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews . Treasured Godmother and friend. 

Funeral on Tuesday May 7 at 10:00 AM. St James RC Church Totowa. The procession will be departing the funeral home at 9:15 AM.  Interment at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa will follow the funeral mass

Friends may visit Monday, May 6, 2024 from 3:00- 8:00 PM at Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa.

For those who wish, donations to All Humane Animal Rescue Inc. & Wildlife Rehab, PO Box 303, Wanaque, NJ 07465 would be appreciated.