Deborah Finocchio Coates

June 3, 1958 - February 14, 2018

Deborah Finocchio Coates, age 59 of Newark, DE died February 14, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her final days were spent at home surrounded by her loving family. Although Debbie’s time with us seems too short, those who were touched by her understand that the quality of her life far exceeded the number years she lived. Her vibrant smile and zest for living brought great joy to those around her. Born at home to the late Martha Jane (Horseman) and Joseph A. Finocchio in Salisbury, MD, Debbie was a 1976 graduate of Wicomico High School. Later, on a Sunday night, she jumped in her 280Z and moved herself to Wilmington, DE. Debbie totally loved living in the city where she worked in the bar and restaurant business as a waitress for 17 years. Following that, she owned and operated the “Got It Made” gift shop for six years. After meeting her husband, Peter, through the classifieds, she sold the business in 1996 when they moved to Roanoke, VA and married there. Their wedding photos reveal her flare for fashion through her dress which she designed herself. After attaining her Nationally Accredited Activities Director certification, Debbie was employed by Ingleside Retirement Apartments in 2012. She thoroughly enjoyed her work there as Director of Downs Cultural Center and Activities where she was much loved by residents and staff. She also worked for Rollins Leasing, and asked that this article include a shout out to her “Rollins Bitches.” Among Debbie’s favorite things were dining out and entertaining. She and her husband are known for their outrageously fun theme parties. An avid dog lover and active supporter of animal rescue and shelters, she was especially fond of Shar-Peis. As a member of the Reedy Point Players theatre group, she acted, and worked the house. Debbie had a generous spirit and was full of life. If you knew her, you loved her. She had travelled to Paris, England, the Caribbean, and all over the U.S. Her “favorite place on earth” was Hawaii where she and her family vacationed often. Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Peter Coates, sister Wanda Jean Adshead, and nephew Daniel Adshead. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00. Interment will follow at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron. In lieu of flowers, Debbie requested donations be made to The Delaware Humane Association at 701 A St. Wilmington, DE 19801 Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.