Debra Mary Vincelli

Though she may be gone, her love will stay, in every sunrise and every day in every act of kindness we display, her legacy lives on, in every way. Like a butterfly, she danced with grace, in life's garden, finding her place, spreading beauty, with every embrace, leaving memories time can't erase.

Debra Mary Vincell: 02/08/1958 - 05/20/2024

Debra Mary Vincelli, born on February 8, 1958, in Angola, Indiana, was raised in Rochester, New York, before falling in love with the sun and warmth in Ormond Beach, Florida, where she moved in her mid-20’s. Debi passed away on May 20, 2024, at the age of 66, after a long brave battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering determination. An extraordinary woman, Debi was a dynamic and fun-loving entrepreneur whose spirit shone brightly in every endeavor she undertook.

Debi is survived by her father, Joseph Vincelli, her sons David DiGiacomo (Carolyn) and Zachary VanGinhoven (Sara), her brothers David Vincelli (Amy) and Joey Vincelli, her grandchildren Riley and Benjamin, whom she adored, and her best friend she considered a sister, Julie Johnson, along with several nephews, and nieces. Debi was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanette Vincelli, and her aunt, Elaine Elia (Nick).

As a daughter, sister, mother, and friend, Debi was a beacon of love and strength. Her family and friends were the center of her universe, and she dedicated herself to their happiness and well-being. She led with her heart, always championing those she loved, never giving up on people, and fighting tirelessly for their dreams and aspirations.

Debi had a zest for life that was truly infectious. She loved the thrill of riding motorcycles, adventure in travel, the serenity of the ocean, the joy of music, competitive horseback riding, the warmth of family gatherings, and God. Her laughter was a melody that brought joy to all who heard it, and her presence was a light that brightened every room she entered.

Debi graduated from Pittsford Sutherland High School and went on to attend college at Alfred State College in New York. Her first job as a young girl still in school was working at the family meat market “Shortino’s Meat Market” at 580 Jay Street in Rochester, NY; it was there that she fell in love with the handsome meat delivery boy from “OK Markets”, whom she married and had her first son.

Debi and her first husband lived a thrifty life as two young kids with a baby on an old farm together while their son was young, but she knew this was not what life had planned for her long term. She needed to break free from the frigid western New York winters and get someplace warm where she could start fresh and spread her wings.

Debi had visited Florida with family when she was a young girl and always felt at home in the sand in the sunshine. She made the brave decision to pack up what little she had and move to Florida in her mid 20’s. It was a bumpy journey as a young girl in a new town trying to make a living. From selling copy machines, timeshare, herbal life to finally finding her niche and a career at US Trade/Direct Mail Express (DME) with an old friend from Rochester, New York, Mike Panaggio.

Debi’s hard work ethic helped her flourish within the team at DME where she led entire divisions of the company, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with and a successful business leader. The friendships she made there lasted a lifetime.

During those years at DME Debi not only found success in business, but she also found her second husband and with him had her second son. It was during this time Debi fell in love with her other passion – real estate. From converting a small dirt driveway house into a beautiful home for her family, she realized how much joy home renovations brought her. This quickly led her to pursue her newfound passion for buying and flipping homes during the real estate boom in Florida.

These were high times for many people who had the courage to make big bets and put in long hours, but in the end the market crashed and so did many of Debi’s investments. As she had done in the past, a rebirth was needed. She found that the island life in the Bahamas brought her back to that original reason she moved south in the first place – the sun and sand in her toes and the grace and warmth of the Bahamian people was just what she needed at this time in her life.

While living in the Bahamas her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and she opened the very first internet cafe on Eleuthera. She got to know all the local children and their families, many of which are still close family friends today. After the cafe she opened a waterfront restaurant, called Bottom Harbor Club, where she grew her influence on the island. She indoctrinated her friends and family to the Bahamian way of life and surrounded herself with great people.

After finding out she had cancer, Debi had to move back from the Bahamas to seek the appropriate medical attention and to be close to family. While battling aggressive cancer this remarkable woman started her own direct mail company reconnecting with some amazing people from her marketing past. The work gave her purpose and a drive to continue fighting every day with the will and the desire to show everyone that you never give up. As the direct mail business flourished her passion for property returned.

Debi’s drive to succeed was unmatched. As an entrepreneur, Debi embodied creativity and resilience. Her ventures were not just businesses but extensions of her passion and dedication. She inspired those around her with her relentless pursuit of excellence and her belief in the power of dreams.

Though Debi is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy is one of love, courage, bravery, and the unyielding belief that with heart and determination, anything is possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you celebrate Debi's remarkable life and big heart by performing a meaningful random act of kindness, and by letting the people in your life know how much you love them.

A visitation for Debra will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, Florida. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM, 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, Florida. A final farewell graveside will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida.