Deborah Ann Wartonick

The sun seems a little less bright as we announce the passing of Deborah Ann Wartonick, aged 71, of Terryville, who passed away in the comfort of her beloved family on January 15, 2026. Deb was a true fighter who conquered multiple cancer diagnoses. She continued this courageous battle right up until her very last day.

Born on January 26, 1954, to the late William and Darlene (Atwood) Wartonick of Terryville, Deb graduated from Terryville High School (class of 1972) before earning her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University. Deb dedicated 34 years as a Physical Education teacher, soccer and softball coach, and Athletic Director at Har-Bur Middle School in Burlington. A beloved educator, she was renowned for her deep care for her students and her creativity in the gym, notably inventing unique games like 'Wartoni-ball' that remain a favorite for many former students. After a very successful career, Deb retired in 2014.

Beyond the classroom and the playing field, Deb had a deep love for travel, though her heart always found its way back to the beach. Her sanctuary was Westbrook, Connecticut, where she spent every summer since childhood, creating cherished memories with her family, and finding peace by the shore.

Like the lighthouses she loved so much, Deb was a beacon of love, warmth, and kindness to her family and friends. She was always present, always willing to offer a lending hand, and always the biggest supporter of her family’s life events. Her nephews and niece meant everything to her, as she was always there to love and support them. Her most current joy in life was spending time with, and cheering for her great-nephews and great-niece in any life or sporting event they participated in. She was there for it all, and her loss will create a tremendous void in their hearts and in our family.

She is survived by her brothers George Wartonick of Terryville and Jim Wartonick of Newington, and sister Lori Wartonick of Jensen Beach, FL; sister-in-law Christine Wartonick of Bristol; her cherished nephews Nick, and spouse Sara, Wartonick of Plainville, and James Wartonick of Bristol, and her treasured niece Katie, and spouse Steve, Pepe of Berlin. She will be deeply missed by her great-nephews Ryan and Aiden Wartonick, and Mason Pepe, and great-niece Morgan Pepe. Deb is also survived by her aunt Joan (Atwood) and uncle William Gangloff, of Harwinton; and many close cousins, whom she adored.

She is predeceased by her parents William and Darlene Wartonick, her sister-in-law Debbie Wartonick, and nephew Paige Wartonick Laferriere.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital for their care during Deb’s fight.

Services will be held on January 24, 2026, at Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St. Terryville, CT. Calling hours will be 10:00am-12:00pm, with a prayer service held at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Comfort and Care - a non-profit organization managed by Deb’s niece that creates and donates care packages to cancer centers for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Donations can be made to Comfort and Care, 46 Savage Hill Rd, Berlin CT 06037.

www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

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