Obituary of Deborah A. Alvarado

Deborah A. Alvarado, 66, of Freehold Township passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center, New Brunswick. Born in Brooklyn, Debbie moved to Parlin in 1967 before settling here in 1987.

She worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for 37 years and retired with distinguished service in Human Resources with specializations including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, Technology, and Data Analysis.  Debbie made an indelible mark, known and trusted for her professional and technical expertise as well as her dedication to volunteerism. She spearheaded numerous high-profile initiatives and for many years led the New York Fed’s volunteerism efforts. Through her work with New York Cares, Take your Sons and Daughters to Work Day, Power Lunch Chinatown Reading Program and more, Debbie touched the lives of countless employees and their families as well as the communities that the New York Fed served. She was well loved and respected for her boundless energy and willingness to train, assist, and lift up those around her.

Debbie’s creative, compassionate heart and willingness to lend a hand spilled over into every facet of her life. As an avid Disney fan, annual passholder and Disney Vacation Club Member, she thrived for the “magic,” so much so that she would go to great lengths to ensure she could create that for others. Whether challenging her partner-in-crime to a game-filled spin, singing along to the classics, taste-testing all the latest sweets and treats, or just walking through the park arm-in-arm and synchronized step, Debbie loved her adventures at the most magical place on earth. After retiring in 2019, her work turned towards assisting her husband growing plants in the nursery and creating two gardens at Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick for the Garden State Daylily Growers. A woman of faith, Debbie was a parishioner of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold.

Deborah was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Barbara DeSpirito; aunt, Camille Lagalla and her husband, Fred; uncle, Peter DiPaolo; and uncle Fred Allocca and his wife, Jean. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Michael Alvarado; daughter, Marisa Alvarado; brothers, Philip DeSpirito and his wife, Kathleen, and Steven DeSpirito and his wife, Jennifer; brothers-in-law, Fr. John Alvarado and Thomas Alvarado; sister-in-law, Christina Alvarado; aunts, Diane Romano and her husband, Dennis, and Annette DiPaolo; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Entombment will follow in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold Township.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Deborah’s name may be made to RWJUH Neuroscience c/o Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation, 181 Somerset Street, 2^nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ  08901 or HERE.  For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com