Obituary of Deborah A Smith-Burnette

Deborah A. Burnette, 61, broke our hearts when she left us on July 27, 2023, at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. She was surrounded by loving family and friends who miss her but are thankful that she has been freed from illness and pain. Debbie was born January 3,1962 in Portsmouth NH to the late Robert L. Smith and the late Anna Bellini while her father was serving in the US Air Force. The family later returned to New Jersey and settled in Lanoka Harbor where Deb spent her childhood. She attended local school s and participated in several sports. Deb was a 1980 graduate of Central Regional High School where she was a popular member of the softball team. She then studied fastpitch softball at Ocean County College. Deb had several different jobs before deciding to join law enforcement. Much of her career was spent as a Sergeant with the New Jersey Office of Corrections In her retirement Debbie enjoyed shopping gardening, eating, fishing, music and watching sports. She was an avid fan of both the Mets and the Liberty and, when possible, loved to attend games. She was a member of the NJ Retired Police & Firemen’s Association, Lacey Elks #2518, Lacey Moose Lodge #1907 and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Deb’s dogs were her “Kidz” and her favorite thing to do was to spend time with them. She absolutely loved her fur-babies and left them with loving families. In addition to her “Kidz, Debbie leaves behind her brother Kevin (Carolyn) of Arizona, her sister Karen DiFortuna (Jerry) of Forked River NJ, nieces, nephews, great nephews, a great niece, cousins, and friends all of whom will remember her with love. Services for Debbie will be private.