Debra Ann (Coletti) Gesek

Debra Coletti Gesek Niskayuna - Debra Ann Gesek (Coletti), at the much too young age of 64, passed away after battling a long illness, while being treated at Westchester Medical Center, on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Debby had struggled with pain and illness for many years, and was a two-time cancer survivor. However, she continued to have a variety of associated illnesses relating to her condition and treatments, which she fought courageously for several years.

Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Lucille Coletti (Kucavik), both of whom predeceased her. With Vincent having passed only as recently as this month, 4 days prior.

She is survived by her brother, David (Susan) Coletti. And survived by Vincent's second wife, Dawn Coletti.

Debby attended Scotia-Glenville High School, and went on to HVCC to study Dental Hygiene. Pursuing her dream, she began her career as a Dental Hygienist after graduating.

Shortly after, she married David Gesek in 1982 and enjoyed 41 years of marriage, through sickness and in health, with David dutifully doting upon her every need. They settled in Scotia and raised two beautiful daughters, Ashley (David) Martinsen, and Sarah (William) Vacca.

Debby is survived by her husband and daughters. She is also survived by her granddaughters, whom she adored, Camilla and Georgia Vacca, and was excited to greet her first grandson, Theodore Martinsen, expected to arrive in a few months. Other family members include David's brother, James Gesek, his wife Barbara, and their four children. Plus, a large extended family of close relatives and friends. Debby left the Dental profession to raise her children.

As her daughters grew older, she began working as a Lunch Monitor, Door Monitor, and Special Ed Teacher's Aide at Glendaal Elementary. For many years, Debby was the first person that everyone was greeted by when they entered the school, and she was considered the heart and soul of it. She became very popular with students, teachers and families alike. However, eventually it was necessary for her to leave the job she loved in order to tend to her many illnesses.

"Disco Deb" loved to dance, especially to classic 1970s disco, which was her favorite music. She loved the domestic life of cooking, growing flowers, gardening, and furnishing and decorating her home.

She admired antiques and vintage items, and often would stop by the side of the road to collect and treasure something being thrown or given away. She dreamed of being on the beach, often visiting local parks and lakes, but especially the ocean.

But, most of all, she cherished her family time with her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters. The one common opinion of Debby by most everyone she came in contact with is that she was a ray of sunshine, who would light up every room with her effervescent spirit. Even through her pain, her most favorite quote was: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." She was truly an amazing person, one of a kind, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Open Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home, 1 Mohawk Ave, Scotia. A short Catholic Chapel Service will immediately follow beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The family requests that all guests try to wear some color, given that Debby was not a fan of dark and dreary.

Everyone has been so kind and generous with donations these past few weeks, and the family is so appreciative, and honestly a little overwhelmed. Yet, Debby's medical bills continue to pile up, and so in lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests that contributions can still be made to help offset these expenses.

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