Deborah “Debbie” A. Gears, 71, of Wilmington passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on March 14, 2024. Debbie was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Margaret and John Perugini Sr. She was the youngest of 5 children.
Debbie worked as a bus driver for St. Anthony’s School and as a Paratransit driver for St. Anthony’s Senior Center for many years. She retired to help care for her husband and lived in Little Italy for most of her life. Debbie loved spending time with her family, soaking up the sunshine on trips to Florida, or enjoying a nice cold drink.
Debbie was preceded in death by her husband William “Thomas” Gears, brother John Perugini Jr, sister Joanne Arnold, and her parents. She is survived by her children Rachelle L. Riccio Garcia (John), Michael Perugini (Hope), Debbie Ferret (Andy), Brian Hopkins (Kendra), sisters Elena Clark and Margaret Johnson, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Debbie will be remembered for her humor, her love for her pets, and good times with family and friends.
A visitation will be held at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 12pm with a service to follow at 1pm. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Anthony’s Community Center (https://www.stanthonycenter.org/donate-today/) or Faithful Friends Animal Society. (https://faithfulfriends.us/donate/)
