Dr. Deborah Ellen Greh
Longtime art teacher and professor
Debbie Greh, 71, of Scotch Plains, N.J., passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020.
Born and raised in Newark, N.J., she was a graduate of East Orange Catholic, Class of 1966. She went on to graduate from the College of St. Elizabeth and Teacher's College, Columbia University, where she earned her doctorate.
Debbie was the past president and executive director of the Art Educators of New Jersey, as well as being an active member of the National Art Educator's Association. She worked as an art teacher at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, and later worked as professor and director of mass communications at St. John's University in Staten Island, until her recent retirement.
Debbie is survived by her wife, Colleen Collins; her sister, Mary Anne Rizzolo; nephews, Joseph and James; her great-nephew, Avery James, and her great-niece, Katie. Debbie is also survived by her extended family, caring friends, and adoring students.
Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood, N.J., on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 5 p.m. For additional information or to sign the guestbook, please visit fanwoodmemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Debbie's memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave., Madison, N.J. 07940 or to Autism NJ, 500 Horizon Drive, Suite 530, Robbinsville, N.J. 08691.