Deborah Ann Martin, 62, of Drums passed away Thursday morning in the emergency room of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton.
Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late John T. and Marie Elaine DeBlasi Martin and was a life resident of the area.
Debbie graduated in 1973 from Hazleton High School and received her paralegal certification from Penn State University.
She was a real estate agent for many years for Pecora Realty, West Hazleton, and Pachence Century 21, Hazleton. In 1989, she received the Relator of the Year award.
Prior to retiring, she was a paralegal for various legal firms in the area. Most recently, she had an online antique and jewelry business.
Debbie’s passion was music. In the early 1980s, she was the lead singer for a local band, White Wing. Her favorite musical group was the rock band, The Monkees. She collected albums and memorabilia of the band, including a guitar signed by band member Peter Tork. She also created a fanbase website that introduced her to Monkee fans across the country.
Debbie is survived by her loving and devoted boyfriend of 19 years, Pat Damico. They shared many wonderful memories and recently built a home together in Drums.
Also surviving are a brother, John Martin and wife, Mary Ann; and one nephew, Zachary Martin.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will beheld from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home Inc., 532 N. Vine St., Hazleton.
To register or for information, please visit our website at www.conahanfuneralhome.com
I am so happy to have reconnected with Debbie after all these years through our HHS73 class reunions. We both shared a love for The Monkees, Chicago & antiques....this was one of my favorite pics when synchronicity first brought us together again at the Chicago Concert & premier of the newly renovated "Castle" - that very special place where we shared unforgettable old memories that transformed into new ones 40+ years later.
I remember walking home from Grebey with Debbie a few times back in ninth grade. She lived on one of the streets near the old Tung-Sol plant (the one with the big blue water tower). What great memories they were! Deb was such a good friend. Even though I have not seen her since high school I am going to miss her greatly. Goodbye, Deb. Rest in peace.
Karen L. Martinkovic
I am so happy to have reconnected with Debbie after all these years through our HHS73 class reunions. We both shared a love for The Monkees, Chicago & antiques....this was one of my favorite pics when synchronicity first brought us together again at the Chicago Concert & premier of the newly renovated "Castle" - that very special place where we shared unforgettable old memories that transformed into new ones 40+ years later.
Ed Sofianek
Rest in peace, old friend....
Thomas J. Flaim
I remember walking home from Grebey with Debbie a few times back in ninth grade. She lived on one of the streets near the old Tung-Sol plant (the one with the big blue water tower). What great memories they were! Deb was such a good friend. Even though I have not seen her since high school I am going to miss her greatly. Goodbye, Deb. Rest in peace.