Debra Merlino, 66, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, in Colchester, CT surrounded by her family. Debra was born the eldest of four in the Bronx on November 11, 1957, to the late Martin and Cynthia (Zupnick) Rosen. She was the beloved wife of Michael Merlino. They met while she was working at her parent's auto parts store, and he was working in the supply warehouse. Their first date was 40 years ago this September, and the rest is history.

Debra grew up in Rockland County, NY and graduated from Clarkstown High School North in 1975. Debra had great stories of the summers she spent with family and friends at Lake Oscawana. In addition to spending time with her family, she loved to bake, do crafts, and watch the cameras at many animal rescues. Rescuing animals was a passion only second to her grandchildren.

Besides her loving husband Michael, Debra is survived by her daughter Kathryn Merlino, her step-daughter Zoe Belcher and husband Matt Belcher, step-daughter Indiana McDonald and husband Dan McDonald, and step-son Michael John Merlino and wife Kate Devereux-Merlino. She is also survived by her brother David Rosen, sister Abby Rosen, sister Lisa Deese, and her most beloved grandchildren, Giovanni Chalco, Anastasia Belcher, Danny McDonald, Sara McDonald, Scott Oldaker, Silas Belcher, and Josefina Devereux-Merlino. Debra was also loved by her nephew, nieces, cousins, and many dear friends. Besides her parents, Debra is predeceased by her cherished friends Bonnie Leopoldo and Doris Durkin Murdock.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024 beginning promptly at 11:30 AM at Calverton National Cemetery in NY. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with Debra's final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital in Royal Palm Beach, FL, a non-profit that did so much for the family. Visit justinbartlettanimalhospital.… for more information.

May her memory be a blessing.

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