Deborah Petryna

Deborah Petryna, age 60, of Bethlehem Twp., NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2020 surrounded by her family. 

She was born on July 14, 1959 in Flushing, NY, and grew up in Centerport, NY.  She resided in Bethlehem Twp., NJ for the last 7 years, moving from Clinton Twp., NJ.

She was the daughter of the late Kurt and Ruth Hillman.

She was the wife of Mark Vitale, celebrating 7 years of marriage.

Her first husband, Brian John Petryna, passed away in 2010 after 27 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of their three children; Benjamin, Kathleen, and Susanne Petryna. 

She earned her Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University.

Deborah was an adjunct College Professor at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, NJ where she taught math. Prior to teaching part-time, she was an electrical engineer for RCA in Somerville, NJ.

Deborah loved the water and spending time sailing during her childhood on Long Island. She also enjoyed reading, classic rock music and going to concerts.  She was passionate about teaching.  Deborah was very social and loved having family and friends over. She will always be remembered for being very funny, loud, and having a lot of energy.  She was always the life of the party.

Survivors in addition to her loving husband include three children; Benjamin Petryna and his wife Marisa of Lake Hiawatha, NJ, Kathleen Petryna and her husband Matthew Cline of Brooklyn, NY and Susanne Petryna of Somerville, MA. Two stepchildren; Susan Vitale of Chicago, IL, and Melissa Vitale of Brooklyn, NY. One granddaughter; Rose Petryna and one grandson-on-the-way, due in April.  

Predeceased in addition to her first husband by her brother; David Hillman.

Calling hour will take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 10am – 11am with funeral service following at 11am.  All at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ.  Interment will be private.

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