Debra Anne (Debbie) Barbero, 57, passed away May 18, 2025, at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL., surrounded by her loving family.

     Debbie was born into a large and loving family on September 26, 1967, in Utica, NY, the daughter of the late Joseph and Joanne (Elacqua) Barbero. She was educated in Utica schools and graduated from Proctor High School in 1986. 

      Debbie spent much of her adult life in Jacksonville, Florida with her lifelong companion Bob Crouse.

      Initially, as a young adult, Debbie was employed by the Utica City School District at Proctor as a library assistant then later at the Bank of America as a government loan officer.  But her love of animals later compelled her to seek employment at the Pablo River Veterinary in Jacksonville. Both she and Bob worked together there as dog groomers up until her passing. As a side vocation, she also enjoyed dog sitting for many of her friends and customers.

      Debbie, along with the entire Barbero family, was a member of Mt. Carmel Parish in her early years, where she also received her primary education. She remained a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church, where her celebration of Christian burial will be celebrated. Debbie enjoyed golfing and was an avid NY Jets fan.

      Debbie’s unexpected passing will leave a void on the lives of all who loved her. Debbie lived simply, but the way she loved, and gave, and cared was profound.  She was always present and generous to Bob and her brothers and sisters, and really, to anyone she came in contact with. 

      Debbie is survived by her loving longtime companion Bob Crouse, of Jacksonville, Fl. She also leaves four sisters, Nancy Wrate, Utica; Christine Davern and Darren LeClair, Oswego; Josette Maldonado, Herkimer; Nicole Barbero, Utica;  three brothers and one sister-in-law, Joseph and Jamie Barbero, Frank Barbero, of Utica and Salvatore Barbero, of Schuyler; Nieces and nephews, Daniel Wrate, Jennifer and Cesar Medina, Patrick Davern, Joshua and Mickey Davern, Ray and Jennifer Maldonado,  Alyssa and Dwane Eckes, Desiree LeClair, Nicholas and Joseph III Barbero, Chester "CJ" Fraccola and several great nieces, great nephews, and cousins, especially remembering Celeste and Rob Segrave.

      In addition, the family wishes to acknowledge the special close friendships of John and Bev Medley, Trish and Tom Ludlow, Jackie Comas, Lorraina Rizza Randio, Yolanda Santiago Kozak, Michelle Arcuri, Jack Arnold, Paige "Pooch" Fraccola, Paupie Ruggerio, Jim and Helgo.  Debbie and Bob also wish to acknowledge the very close friendships of the people they worked with every day, including Dr. Mike Boyarin, Amanda and Harley as well as the rest of the staff at the Pablo River Veterinary.  

      In addition to her parents, Debbie’s was predeceased by one brother, Nicholas Joseph Barbero.

      Debbie’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10;00 am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. James Cesta officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Utica.    Calling hours will be held Monday, May 26th  from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home 408 Herkimer Rd., Utica, NY.     

   Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, Fl. 32216.