Alfred, New York
Deborah S. “Debby” (Soule) Esposito – 74 – of Hernando, FL, formerly of Alfred, NY died unexpectedly early Saturday morning (November 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Born in Ithaca on September 11, 1950, she was the daughter of Lauren & Maureen (Casterline) Soule.
On November 29, 1975, Debby married Gerard “Jerry” Esposito who survives. She was preceded in death by her father, Lauren Soule, and is survived by her mother, Maureen Soule of Alfred. Debby also leaves behind two sisters, Linell Soule of Almond (Bill Sortore) of Angelica and Terah Soule of Wellsville, NY; two sisters-in-law, Diane Murphy (John) of Lancaster, PA and Christine Stromberg (Jim) of N. Middleton, NJ. She will also be greatly missed by her four nephews, three nieces, and four grand-nieces as well as several other extended family members.
Debby grew up in Alfred and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1968). She also attended her H.S. sophomore year at American Community School in Beirut. In 1972, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry & Physics from Wells College in Aurora, NY.
For 25 years Debby loyally served the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester starting as a chemist, and moving on to work in other science positions, before transitioning into the Human Resource Department as a Senior Technical Recruiter. She eventually moved into various manufacturing positions and finally as GM/Vice-President of Storage Products. Debby was recruited by Essilor of America in 1997 to be the Executive VP of Operations in St. Petersburg, FL. She finished her corporate career at Talla-Com Industries as Director of Administration coaching senior staff on high performance management, leadership skills and strategy implementation. Her skills and experience led her to start her own Management consulting firm. She also worked alongside her husband Jerry, beginning in 1983, with his Photographic Events company on weekends.
Debby approached life with a “joie de vive” rarely seen. Her energy and passion for things that were important to her and immediately drew you into her orbit. She and Jerry loved to travel, including their favorite destinations of Santa Fe, NM & Monterey, CA. Her Western New York roots gave her a love of family, the outdoors and seeking adventures. When others would be finding reasons not to try something new, Debby would often respond with a slight head tilt, a wry smile and her eyes dancing with the challenge of convincing people to try something new, she’d simply say “So what! Why not try it?”. If you knew Debby, she usually changed people’s minds, laughing contagiously and always willing to join them on their adventure. As the family historian, she was our ‘go-to’ for all dates and information regarding family & ancestors. Her passion for genealogy helped her discover her familial roots and led her into a second career. She twice earned her DAR certification in genealogy which allowed her to help others trace their family histories! She also took her love of food and became an excellent home chef, before sharing her knowledge by offering private cooking classes those who wanted to learn.
At Debby’s request there will be no calling hours. Services will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Debby’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Prayers and thoughts of comfort for all of Debby’s family. I was lucky to have known her as my classmate at AACS and enjoyed catching up at our class of ‘68 reunions. I remember her always smiling and helping anyone that needed some cheering up. Will surely miss her laughter and smile, and so very sorry for your loss.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Dear Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I knew Debbie earlier on but got to know her better in a huge study hall we were in. I’ll always treasure her true team spirit and empathy of others. It brought out the best in everyone! Please wrap those treasured memories around you to help you through these and future times.
Love to All, Wendy
To all Debby’s Family and Friends,(especially Jerry), I send my deepest condolences for a woman who’s life was so full of joy and respect.
Deb was an exceptional person and friend. We had the privilege of knowing and working with her and Jerry on various projects in Florida. Our sincere condolences to Jerry and the entire family. Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. Blessings, Mary & Lewis Key
I am so sorry for your loss. Many thoughts and prayers to all.
Dear Jerry and Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. Although we have only met at our POA meeting, I understand your immense loss. We will keep Deborah in our thoughts and prayers
Jeff and Linda Haasbeek, Waterford Neighbours in Florida
To Debby’s family and friend my deepest condolences!
I remember Debbie as a teenager who worked for me at the Alfred State College Bookstore when I managed there. Her summer work schedule made our jobs all “lighter” during the summer when much heavy work took place.
She has been an avid member of our Allegany County Historical Society for many years and helped us many times when we asked for her help searching.
Bless you Debby and may your smile remain until we meet again.
My deepest condolences to Debby’s family and friends. To my long time friend Jerry – although across the miles, my heart is with you. Sending love and caring thoughts that during this difficult time, you may find peace in your happy memories.
To Debby’s husband, mother, sisters and family. I was very saddened to hear of Debby’s passing. I was a classmate and looked forward to seeing Debby every five years at our class reunion. She was always truly interested in whatever I was up to and in turn was very interesting. My thoughts are with you.
Anne Mills Fewster
I was deeply saddened to hear of Debby’s unexpected passing. She and I were classmates and friends from the day we started at Alfred Almond until we graduated in 1968. We were neighbors for a while when they lived on South Main in Alfred. As others have noted she was always cheerful with a twinkle in her eye and her trade mark laugh. We shared a love of science. I have many fond memories of her particulary in our high school years and the “special” instruction we received from Don Gerace, one of the science teachers at A.A. Deepest condolances to the family for the their loss of this truely unique person.