Deborah Jean Firlit

Deborah Jean Firlit, 72, died Wednesday evening November 20, 2024 at her home on Plum Island, Newbury, MA. She was born on July 1, 1952 in Utica NY to the late Edward “Maxie” and Jean Firlit.

She retired in 2023 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety, Office of Grants and Research, specializing in traffic safety. She also worked as a switchboard operator in NY, was an EMT in Texas,, degreed in marketing at UT in Austin, came back north to care for her parents and worked for IFP and the New England Patriots organization before working for the State.

Before she met Barry in 2013 , she achieved the rank of Master as a Tang Soo Do 4th degree Black Belt, teaching and competing in karate tournaments in Europe and the US.

She especially loved golf with Barry and their fellow Goofies in Wenham, biking around Plum Island, painting, photography, country dancing and travels to Europe, Puerto Rico and Italy.

She loved gardening with rocks and driftwood and growing summer vegetables, hunting for the perfect rock or stone along a lakeshore with her brother Paul or nephew Steve. She dearly loved watching her grand nieces and nephew growing up; they all loved their Auntie Debi.

She was a great fan of gymnastic and ice skating competitions and the occasional visit to a casino with friends and cousins. She and Barry loved preparing meals together, watching tennis and golf and they spent many hours in nature and hiking trails nearby and in the Southwest.

Deborah is survived by her beloved husband, Barry Kaplan of Newbury MA; brothers Paul (Maryann) Firlit of Rochester NY, Edward (Lee) Firlit of Gansevoort NY;  Uncle Emilio "Butch" (Priscilla) Cudoni of Woburn MA; Sisters in Law, Cheri Firlit of Macedon NY and Fredlee Anne Kaplan of New York City; many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, friends and co-workers who all loved her. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her brother Gary Firlit.

Family and friends are invited to Deborah’s Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM on Saturday December 7, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Church 42 Green St. Newburyport. Burial will be private at a later date. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Deborah’s family with her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers we suggest a donation to Clear Path for Veterans New England, Canine Services. They provide service dogs and multiple therapies for our Service Vets. www.clearpathne.org located at Fort Devens in MA, or Children’s Services of Roxbury csrox.org

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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