Obituary: Debra Lee Ridente, 64, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Debra Lee (Doyle) Ridente, 64, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully at her home with her faithful dog Leah by her side on September 14, 2023

Debbie was born on November 20, 1958 in Meriden, CT to Robert Doyle, Sr. and Shirley Sittnick (Mike)

In addition to her parents, Debbie is survived by her twin sons, Nicholas Barbato (Amy) of Wallingford and Joseph Barbato (Nadia) of Windsor Locks, grandson Vincent Barbato, her brother, Robert Doyle (Trish) of Branford. She was predeceased by her step father, the “Silver Fox” Len Loos and her favorite aunt, Elaine Biafore.

Debbie worked as a police dispatcher for several years in the town of Wallingford – proving to come in handy when she worked 2nd shift. The police scanner gave her a convenient heads up when her rambunctious twin boys got into trouble.

Debbie’s lifelong passion was found working with furry animals at her grooming salon and taking care of the dogs she shared her life with including Pomeranians Corky and Ace, Siamese Tiffany and Tabitha and Pekingese Brandy and Leah.

In recent years, faced with declining health, Debbie found peace in her backyard – sitting with her caretaker, best friend and father, Bob, along with her dog Leah. They enjoyed spotting the resident wildlife that would come to visit at dusk including fox, opossum, raccoons, chipmunks, birds and owls.

Debbie was immensely proud of her two sons and their accomplishments.

Debbie was known for her excellent taste in movies and music, bestowing on her family a fondness for “Guys and Dolls,” the “Blues Brothers”, and 1990’s R&B from Michael Jackson and songs like “Here Comes the Hot Stepper” which she would often play on constant repeat.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.