Deborah E. Gaddis

Deborah E. Gaddis (Leach) died peacefully in her home in Locust Valley, NY on Sunday, January 19, 2025 surrounded by her family, at the age of 71. 

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Deborah was born in Dayton, OH on December 13, 1953 weighing only 3lbs 4oz which instilled in her, from birth, a strength & fighting spirit that never wavered. 

Deborah attended Miami University in Ohio, graduating with a BS in Zoology in 1974 which she applied to a career in the life sciences business, where to this day she has friends who will miss her warmth and infectious personality. 

Partially due to her midwestern upbringing, she possessed a calm strength, powerful work-ethic, and humility that was exceptional. These values shined brightly after she received a brutal cancer diagnosis, but continued to live her life to its fullest for nine more years.

Although she was battling cancer and undergoing treatments, Deb still loved to travel with her family; visiting Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, Italy, & London! One year ago, she flew to Turkey to enjoy her son’s wedding. Then, just six months before her passing, she travelled to Croatia with her family, even running through the airport in Madrid to make their connection! Her priority has always been to spend as much time with her family as possible.

Deborah was a steady presence and source of warmth and love for all who knew her. She demonstrated her love for her community by teaching Sunday school at her local parish, working with SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) in her local school district, managing the family business with her husband, and more examples far too numerous to list.

She is survived by husband, Paul L Gaddis & children, Andrew (Aleksandra Mihailovic), Peter (Gamze), sister-in-law, Linda Gaddis, and siblings, Maureen (Brock) Lindstedt, Kathleen (Jimmy) Palmborg, Patrick (Becky Sullivan), Timothy, & Erin (Michael) Cummings. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward J Leach and Mary Jo Leach (O’Neill), and sister, Colleen Harman. 

Deborah will be forever remembered as the heart & soul of her family. Her values, resilience, hard work, and love are carried on by her children of whom she could not be prouder.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Glen Cove (http://stpaulsgc.org/).