Deborah Lynn Ferrante

Deborah Lynn “Debbie” Ferrante, 69, of Vandergrift, passed away on Saturday August 1, 2026. She was born on September 3, 1956 in North Carolina to Donald E Leach (the late) and Adelia A Leach (Stripling).

Debbie grew up in Gilpin Township and was a 1974 graduate of Leechburg High School. She raised her family and lived out most of her days in Vandergrift. She worked as a health care aide in both the hospital setting and in-home health care.

She is survived by her mother, four sisters, two daughters; Erin (Matthew) Deal and Lesli (Erik) Grilley; two step children Matthew Ferrante and Julie Aiello (Ferrante); three grandchildren Katelyn, Brandie, and Brayden; and two great-grandchildren Kendall and Spencer.

In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Adolph “Jeffrey” Ferrante; whom she referred to as “the love of her life”; and her beloved Granny “Ruby” Stripling.

She enjoyed traveling with her late husband to attend NASCAR races, vacationing at the beach, and listening to him play the drums in his band. The two of them were the best of friends and complimented each other perfectly. May they both be at peace united together again in heaven.

Debbie also enjoyed spending time playing cards, board games, puzzles, reading romance novels, taking walks, fishing, cooking, long talks on the phone, and sipping on a cup of tea with little cubes of pound cake with her family, friends, daughters, and grandbabies.

Her big smile, bright eyes, southern accent, funny sayings, spunky personality, and warm hugs will be greatly missed.

A private, intimate family service is being planned in honor of her memory.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks for donations to help pay for the cost of her final arrangements. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Please make donations to Erin Deal via Zelle at: erindeal17@gmail.com or mail a check to 22417 W Williams Rd, Surprise, AZ 85387

Arrangements are in the care of GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. Scottdale, Pa.  www.gjfuneral.com