Debra Lapiedra-O'Brien

Debra Lapiedra-O'Brien, 62, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Staten Island University Hospital, North, surrounded by her loving family. Debra was the beloved wife to John O'Brien. Loving mother to Melissa and Jacqueline O'Brien and Shanna Beninati. Cherished daughter to Shirley Walsh and the late Richard Lapiedra. Dear sister to Lori Burgess and James LaPiedra. Fond mother-in-law to James Burns, Ray Jacques Aponte and Jason Beninati. Adored grandmother to Damien Beninati. Adored godmother to Julia Calderone, Emma Lynch and Katie and Jeremy Palumbo. Debra is also survived by loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Debra was born and raised in Staten Island. She graduated from Tottenville High School in 1977 and then joined the New York City Police Department in 1979. She was a dedicated police officer for twenty-one years and retired out of the 72nd precinct, where she worked alongside her brother. During her time as a police officer she helped create the original community policing in 1984, which started as a pilot project in just the 72nd precinct, but eventually branched out city and nationwide. She was known and loved in the community, she worked in, and famous for the Halloween parties she coordinated for the children in the neighborhood. On September 23, 1988, Debra married John O'Brian. On February 24, 1989 and March 29, 1990, respectively, she welcomed two beautiful daughters, Melissa and Jacqueline who were her whole world and would soon become her best friends. Debra was a devoted wife and mother. She loved going to the beach and walking on the boardwalk. She loved to listen to music and to dance as if no one was watching, especially anytime a Cher song came one. She was extremely generous and kind, often putting the needs of others before her own. No one ever left Debra's home empty handed. She was a mom to everyone and often the person everyone turned to, so much so she often joked that her home was ''Grand Central Station''. Debra was most known for her strength. She is a 10 plus year Breast Cancer Survivor, who powered through with a smile, no matter what struggle came her way. Known even on her worst days to still have time to put her makeup on and enjoy a cup of coffee. Debra was one of a kind who will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 and Friday, September 3, 2021 at the John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd. (at Eltingville Station), Staten Island, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1091 Forest Ave. Staten Island, NY 10310 on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. A New York State decision that those who are vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks. However, our staff who have serviced over 350 covid funeral services safely will wear masks to protect those who have not been vaccinated or those who feel uncertain and our own families. We feel this is necessary because we have handled 8 covid deaths in the month of May and more as of this writing of June 21st. Due to the current pandemic circumstances please note: We ask that you please send bakery products, fruit baskets, and other personal items to the families home directly. Floral Arrangements can be purchased from our in-house floral designers by calling 718-948-2016 to place your order or to request a catalog of selections that can be emailed to you.

Debra Lapiedra-O'Brien

March 7, 1959 - August 27, 2021