I was saddened to hear about Debbie passing away.  She was my boss for 13 years at Buffalo State. It was a pleasure working with her. My condolences to her family.

Dear Renzi Family,

I would like to offer you all my prayers and condolences for the lost of Mrs. Renzi. Mrs. Renzi meant a lot to me. I will never forget the time we shared together and all of the unconditional love that was given to me. I will truly miss Mrs. Renzi. 

I know you are in peace, you are too sweet for anything else. Much love!! 

Sincerely,
Sarita

Dear Mr. Renzi, I'm writing on behalf of the English Department at Buffalo State to offer our sympathies on the loss of your mother, Deborah. She and your late father were valued colleagues here at the university. Yours truly, Lisa Berglund, Chair and Professor

I will forever remember her infectious smile, and warm heart ❤️🙏🏾

This special birthday is celebrated with the special women in Olivia’s life that presented her with meaningful gifts. Such an honor to have her with us.💗🥰

Debbie was an amazing woman. She became a mentor and friend during our time together at Buffalo State.  She was such a wise, generous, and caring person. One of my favorite memories is from a  staff outing to go ax throwing. She was so proud when she hit the board with her ax.  She will be greatly missed.

We were deeply saddened by Deb's passing. We knew her to be a most kind and generous person with a zest for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Renzi family.

My deepest condolences to the family of Debbie Renzi. She was a wonderful colleague at Buffalo State College and did extraordinary outreach with many service learning opportunities in the community. Debbie was incredibly kind and humble and loved her family dearly. She was very proud of her son and was a great wife and companion with husband, Tom. Keeping the family in prayer! 🙏🏿❤️

I’m so very sorry to see this. Debbie was my boss at Buffalo State when she was Director of Admissions.  She was always kind to me and I learned a lot from her.  Prayers to her son and family.

Our neighborhood here at Hamlin Farm in East Aurora will not be the same without Deb. She was the kindest of persons. Bob and I enjoyed dinners and visits with her. I will miss our morning coffee breaks and good discussions. Her wealth of experience and grounded perspective wove a rich fabric among her friends. So lucky to have had you in my life.

For all of us who got to know Debbie at Buffalo State, her commitment to our institution was exceeded only by her love of Tom, Matthew (and, in recent years) & Amanda.  She was direct and unswerving when looking at challenges, and extended herself in searches for solutions.  Whether in Admissions, Enrollment Management, Social Work or Community & Civic Engagement, she put needs of students first.  The decades-long connections forged with so many students attests to her ability to extend herself to others.

Debbie kept her eye on stars, such as Project Flight and the Anne Frank Project.  She remained on these, and the Institutional Advancement, boards long past her initial retirement, because she refused to stop lifting her voice in the cause of injustice.  Her treasured relationship with Sophia Veffer began with their shared history (ancestors for Debbie, early decades for Sophia) with Holland.  To be her friend and colleague meant a commitment to honest and thoughtful dialogue about how to make the world a better place.

Rest in peace, dear friend, with Tom at your side.  May you both be healthy and full of joy at your reunion.  May your memory be for a blessing.

I worked with Deb for many years at Buff State setting up my service-learning courses. She was always such a bright light in the world. Deb always had a kind word and a funny quip. She worked so hard to help others and she had lots of compassion. She will be missed. Rest peacefully, Deb.

Debbie was a wonderful colleague and friend. We worked in the same building for many years, and she always had a smile and a kind word. She and Tom were a special couple. Condolences to the family. She touched many hearts.
Karen O'Quin
Former Associate Dean

Having worked at Buffalo State for over 40 years, Deborah Renzi was one of the nicest person I've had the pleasurer of working with. Dedicated, trustworthy,  a loving mom and colleague. My condolences to her family and loved ones. Fajri Ansari

Debbie gave compassion, understanding, immeasurable common sense, diligence, and competence to all her work efforts at Buffalo State and in the community. As a SW colleague and friend, we would regularly “debrief in her office” or over the phone about daily challenges at work and at home. She might say “This is Debbie Renzi speaking” and then add rationality, civility, humility, and humor to close out the day. There are so many things I will miss about Debbie, but right now I am landing on her laughter and her capacity to be awed. When Debbie and I traveled to present on mentoring or to update our understanding of program certification requirements, she delighted in the new places, people, and programs we experienced. Debbie was devoted to her family, friends, and even their pets; and ever generous to our community. All who knew her are deeply saddened by her death.

For Matthew and all you love, know that you were loved so much by your parents. They were so proud of you.

Debbie, I will miss you so much! Long ago, we were students at St. Lawrence University up in Canton, NY. She was two years behind me. When we discovered our shared undergrad experiences,  we took to being a bit rowdy at the more informal BSC college holiday parties, not the ultra proper ones at the President's home. With a glass of wine in hand, in loud voices, we would sing SLU's alma mater, kneeling at times. Tom took that as a signal to bring her her coat and say that it was time to go home, and that he wished me a safe drive back home to Hamburg. We loved doing it and I  can still hear her giggle as we got ready to sing. 

I believe she is with Tom, and that their incredible love story goes on.

Debbie was also a woman of very high standards, and before I got to know her, I found her a bit intimidating. Those standards held the reputation of the programs that BSC was known for to a top level. She was also a great mentor to the social work majors in their field placements. Many of my students earned incredibly solid degrees and went on to do the MSW at UB and also became experts in their areas of expertise.  The issue that caused them to work with me often led to their insightful work with others in their field.

Debbie, fly high and be a star in the heavens. You have been on my mind this past week, and your death was on my birthday.

My deepest condolences to Debbi's family and friends; my heart goes out to you all.  I briefly worked with Debbi at Buffalo State and have always cherished our times together.  She was such a loving, caring and generous person.  The world is a little less bright knowing she is no longer here with us.

Our Sweet Debbie 💞🫶🏼, our dearest friend but more like family.  You have been a part of our family since we were in college (34 years!) You were with us as our mentor in college, throughout our dating, marriage, knowing our children and being their honorary grandmother. You were always their biggest cheer leader and so proud of their accomplishments. You have supported my kids at their concerts, sport events, offered drum lessons(Tom), attended birthdays,  graduations and even being my daughter’s ”flower grandmother” for her wedding this summer. We loved our time together with you.🥰 You are such an important part of our family’s history and it’s going to be tough to not have you around. Your life has truly blessed us deeply. We love you and Tom so much! We’re really going to miss you!🥺 Oh my heart, my sweet precious Debbie, you will forever be in our hearts and memories and forever cherished. 💗

Deborah was such a loving and caring soul. I worked at Buffalo State University with her for many years. I could always call on her when I was advocating for one of my students. I also joined her at many soccer games when our boys were teenagers.  May she rest peacefully.

My prayers are with Renzi Family.  Debbie was an encouraging and caring person and will be certainly missed. She encouraged me to apply for the job I held in Admissions in the early 90’s. When I actually got the job, I was really surprised! I will forever be grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to work under her direction to explore a different work environment! I’m thankful she did not have to suffer long and now she can be back with her husband! To God be the Glory.
Gwen Veira

Some people instinctively know how to be kind, help others and make the world a better place for all. This was Debbie.

jimlynren@roadrunner.com wrote a sympathy message

“May the good Lord welcome home our wonderful Sister and Mother. A truer selfless person we couldn't imagine. We Love you Debbie, may you find Peace and clasp the hand of Tom in Paradise.
God Bless. With Love, Jim and Lynn Renzi and Jimmy, Shannel, Joey and Jared.”

OBITUARY

Deborah K. Renzi

13 October, 1948 – 12 November, 2023

Wood Funeral Home

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