Deborah M. Stehlik

Deborah graduated Bethpage High School and received her undergraduate and Master’s degree in music education from C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. She received an advanced certificate in educational leadership at Hofstra University, where she was also an adjunct professor, teaching movement in the Orff-Shulwerk courses. Deborah was past-president of the Nassau Music Educators Association. An avid music enthusiast, Deborah was the driving force behind her students’ achieving a high standard of excellence in NYSSMA festivals, chorus concerts, recorder performances, theater productions and NY State Music Festivals. The Bethpage School District has been fortunate to have had a music educator, as dedicated as Deborah for the past 25 years. She taught at Kramer Lane Elementary School, Bethpage High School and most currently at Central Boulevard Elementary School, where she was first musically inspired by her childhood music teacher, Mrs. Kelly. Deborah was past district chairperson for choral and classroom music; her leadership and dynamic teaching style has positively influenced many students in the Bethpage School District music programs.

Deborah’s greatest pride whom she loved and adored is her seventeen-year-old daughter, Sophia. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Sophia has also dedicated her life to the musical arts. Deborah could not have been prouder of Sophia's accomplishments. She was a constant presence in her daughter's life, as protector, confidant and friend. Deborah also had a passion for fitness and enjoyed training at CrossFit where she met Bill O’Keefe. Bill was by her side supporting her every day, never giving up hope.

Deborah is the loving daughter of Linda Rubano and the late Dennis. She is the cherished mother of Sophia and the faithful companion of Bill O'Keefe. Devoted sister of John Rubano and his wife, Jeanee along with her godson, Landon. She is survived by her former spouse, Jim Stehlik. Deborah will be fondly remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Her uncle, the late Richard Rubano, was honored to be her godfather.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Sunrise Las Vegas Hospital, Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation Center and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital for their kindness and the compassion shown to Deborah throughout the last weeks of her life.

Friends may visit at the Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home, 448 West Main St., Babylon, NY, Friday, June 9, 2023, from 2:00-4:30p.m. & 7:00-9:00p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 700 Albin Ave., West Babylon, NY. She will be laid to rest at North Babylon Cemetery, North Babylon, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Deborah's memory can be made to the Bethpage Public Schools Music Department.