Obituary: Debra Ann Russo (Porto Funeral Homes)

Debra Ann "Debbie" Mastracchio Russo, 75, of Branford, beloved wife of 54 years to the love of her life, Stephen J. Russo, passed away suddenly on July 27, 2026 in her paradise on the island of Aruba from unexpected medical complications. They were married on May 27, 1972 at St. Bernadette Church in New Haven. She was the loving mother of Stephen Russo Jr. (partner, Sue Hanson, and Sue's granddaughter, Lilly) of North Branford and Matthew (Heather) Russo of Guilford. Cherished grandmother of Olivia, Fiona and Maxwell. She is also survived by many close cousins and dear friends. Debbie was born in New Haven on June 14, 1951 daughter of the late Marie D'Amico Pagnotti and stepdaughter of the late Ralph Pagnotti.

Debbie developed a love for dancing at a very early age at Dorothy's Dance Studio. She continued dancing into her teen years and auditioned for the Rockettes. She proudly passed the audition, but her petite stature kept her from joining the famous chorus line—not even at the very end. She attended grammar and high school in West Haven and graduated from West Haven High School. Having a love for the arts, travel and interior design, she continued her education in Los Angeles, CA and Paier Art School of Design in Hamden. This was when she met the love of her life, Steve. After graduating from college, she briefly worked at a local bank before pursuing her dream of becoming a travel agent. She enjoyed a rewarding 26-year career with WorldTek Travel in New Haven, where she helped countless clients create lasting memories through travel.

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Debbie was a devoted wife and mother who was the heart of her family. She cherished time spent together and believed that, no matter the circumstances, the family should always gather around the dinner table. She would always say "that was our time." She was very involved in the PTA as president and various community fundraisers.

She loved her grandchildren so very much and was very proud of each of them. They were the focus of her existence. The vacations in Aruba with them was her dream come true.

She was worldly and smart. She had a love for beauty and fashion and she had style and grace. She wore the best perfumes and looked amazing when dressing to go out for the night always receiving multiple compliments on her attire and presence. She just knew how to put it together. She loved to cook and bake and would always try something new. She loved having the grandchildren over and baking together.

In her free time, Debbie loved to read. She was generous, warm and loving to all. Her personality was warm, sharp, funny, generous and fierce when necessary. The girls at the office loved her, and everyone who met her loved her. She will be dearly missed, and we will all have a void in our lives forever.

Family and friends are invited to go DIRECTLY to St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at Our Lady of Pompeii Church FRIDAY morning, August 7, 2026, to celebrate A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow in All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum. All are welcome to join the funeral procession to All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven THURSDAY, August 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org. Sign Debbie's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.