Debra Anne Caspare (nee Benell), 71, formerly of Dumont, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Born in Teaneck, NJ, on February 14, 1955, to George and Elizabeth Benell, the oldest of five children. She grew up in Dumont, NJ, attending St. Mary’s School through eighth grade and Dumont High School, graduating in 1974. She moved to Hawley, PA in 2013 to enjoy retirement.
Debra worked as an office assistant in Paramus, after high school. She married Martin in 1977, and they welcomed their first daughter in 1980, followed by their son in 1982, and their third child in 1984. Debra began working as a preschool aide in Dumont, before working at Gibbs School in New Milford and finishing her career at Harrington Park School as a classroom aide. She taught CCD at St. Mary’s for many years. Coached various sports for Dumont Recreation, including cheerleading and farm division baseball. She was a constant presence at the sidelines of her children’s games and events. Debra supported her husband Marty in his coaching career, always cheering on the Huskies during football, basketball, and track & field season. When her son was diagnosed with leukemia in 1992, she devoted herself completely to his care, never leaving his side through the entirety of his two-year battle. Debra and Martin started The Ryan Caspare Fund after their son’s passing to support local families through their own cancer battles, sponsoring a scholarship for a graduating Dumont High School senior and a trophy at the Dumont Booster’s Sports Awards Dinner. Debra took great pride in honoring her son and his memory. After Ryan’s death, Debra became very involved in the Tomorrow’s Children Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center, particularly their program for bereaved families, forming lifelong bonds with other parents facing loss and grief. After retirement, she moved to her oasis in Pennsylvania, spending holidays by the lake, welcoming family and friends for years to relax and celebrate. Her favorite days were spent sitting by the water, reading her book, and fitting in a game of golf. In 2018, she once again dropped everything to support her daughter through a near-fatal medical condition; with perseverance and love, Kaitlyn surpassed all doctors’ expectations and continues to thrive in her recovery. Debra began her own battle with multiple myeloma in 2022 and fought with everything she had until the end. Her doctors often commented on her strength and fortitude, an unwavering drive to beat cancer, while never taking a step back from taking care of Kaitlyn.
Debra lived every day in faith and gratitude. She enjoyed playing card games around the table with her family, which became a nightly ritual of laughter and lasting memories. She loved sports, particularly football, she loved cheering on the New York Giants and Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the fall and winter and was a lifelong Yankee fan. Debra loved her family above all else and never missed a chance to call loved ones to check in. If she heard of someone going through a hard time, she never hesitated to send a card or handwritten letter to offer support. Debra will always be remembered for her warm smile, grace, strength, and the love she gave to all she met.
Debra is predeceased by her son Ryan (1994), her parents George (2023) and Elizabeth (2017). Debra is survived by her husband Martin Caspare, her daughters, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Beloved mother of Kerry Anne and her husband Raymond Garnes, and Kaitlyn. Devoted niece to Brendan Fitzpatrick and sister to Diane Cardone, Kenneth Benell and wife Sharon, Kerry O’Connor and husband Brendan, Scott Benell and wife Nancy. Loving aunt to Christopher Minaya, Thomas O’Connor and his wife Carlee, Zachary O’Connor and his wife Francesca, Kenny Benell, Erin Costantino and her husband Kevin, Evan and Ethan Benell.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10:00 AM, St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Dumont. Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. A celebration of Debra’s life will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, beginning at 2:00PM and concluding at 6:00 PM at the Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, Dumont, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to The Ryan Caspare Fund, 106 Cherry Point Court, Hawley, PA. 18428.