Debbie Sidoti

Carmela "Debbie" Sidoti, age 94, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. She was born on June 25, 1930 in Newark, New Jersey. Carmela was united in marriage on February 8, 1959 to Santo Sidoti.

Carmela had a career as a professional singer. She was a member of the Cameo Club and had a passion for entertaining people.

Carmela Sidoti, lovingly known to all as Debbie, lived a vibrant and accomplished life—one filled with passion, music, and deep devotion to her family. While she cherished many things in life, nothing meant more to her than her beloved husband, Santo Sidoti, and their son and best friend, Joseph Sidoti.

Born Carmela, she adopted the name Debbie at a young age—a name that would follow her throughout her remarkable singing career. Debbie began performing professionally at just 15 years old with the Johnny Anello Orchestra, launching a lifelong love of music. It was during this chapter that she met the love of her life, Santo, whom she would later marry. Professionally, she adopted the name Debbie Lynn, under which she built her musical legacy.

Debbie went on to sing with the group The Four Lovers, whose lead singer was none other than Frankie Valli. Her time with the group was significant, and she was just two weeks shy of becoming a member of the legendary Four Seasons.

Throughout her career, Debbie graced stages for many years at Sam Zooman’s Country Club and amazed audiences by singing in four different languages—an incredible talent many never knew she possessed.

Beyond her music, Debbie had a successful second career as a professional makeup artist and was also an active member of the Cameo Club in New Jersey. She proudly participated in the Ms. Senior America Pageant in 2005, where she placed in the top ten in Las Vegas, Nevada—a highlight she cherished.

Debbie leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews whom she adored. Though she will be missed by many, her absence will be felt most profoundly by her son, Joseph, her constant companion and best friend.

Debbie’s light, talent, and love will forever be remembered.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Sidoti and was preceeded in death by husband, Santo Sidoti.

A visitation for Debbie will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. An entombment will occur Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232.