Visionary Leader Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Her Community.
Deatra W. Gabriella, Age 80, former president of the New Jersey Association for Life Long Learning (NJALL) and longtime Director of Community Education at South Toms River Elementary School, passed away in June 2025.
She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Rocco Gabriella, a professional athlete and rockstar, who passed away just six months earlier. Deatra is survived by her sister Debbie; her son Michael and his wife Rose; and her two cherished grandchildren, John and Rose.
Deatra grew up in Long Branch, NJ, with her mother Vonita, father Jack, and sister Debbie. She often spent time with and spoke fondly of her extended family, including Aunt Posy, Aunt Peggy, Aunt Red, Diddy, Gagoo, Gert, Alice Marie and her cousin Susan and Mary Eileen. Deatra worked tirelessly to put herself through college—holding early morning jobs, attending classes during the day, and studying late into the night. A natural leader, she became president of her sorority, Alpha Phi Delta, at Upsala College. There, she formed a lifelong friendship with her roommate of four years, Carolyn Lineback. Deatra graduated with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Russian, and was fluent in both languages.




