Deborah Zilai Obituary (1953 – 2022)

Debbie was born to Marilyn and John Grinwis on July 25, 1953 in Utica, New York where she lived with her two sisters. Her family moved to Essex Fells where Debbie enjoyed walking to school, participating in sports and math class. The family then moved to Brielle where she attended Manasquan High School and was a co-captain of the cheerleading team. It was in Brielle that she met her husband, Rob, at the Manasquan River Yacht Club, a place that remained a centerpiece of their lives until her passing. Debbie attended Cedar Crest College, majoring in Math with thoughts of becoming a teacher. Following graduation, Debbie attended an engineering program at the University of Virginia, which shifted her career trajectory.
Debbie had an extensive career beginning with a sales position at IBM. In the twenty years she worked for the company, she advanced to the position of Systems Engineer, and ultimately ended her time with IBM as Project Manager and Consultant. With a desire for something new as well as closer to her home and family, Debbie accepted the position of Vice President of Information Systems and Services at New Jersey Resources. At NJR she completed a second twenty year career and ultimately retired as Vice President of Corporate Services, overseeing Human Resources, Information Technology, Purchasing, Facilities, Security and Office Services Departments. Additionally, she assisted in spearheading the development of the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Throughout her time at NJR, Debbie’s discipline, patience, focus and attention to detail supported the success of many strategic initiatives, which fundamentally changed the organization’s approach to strategy.
Outside of her career, Debbie was thoroughly involved in The Church in Brielle, serving on Consistory as an ordained Elder, and teaching Sunday School. She also committed tremendous time and energy to her work with Family and Children’s Services of Monmouth County, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and as Board Chairperson. Debbie maintained a passion for sustainability and mission of these organizations for which she felt strong personal connections, and supported them in their journeys toward actualizing their respective visions. Debbie’s career and volunteer participation in nonprofit organizations was a significant part of her life. She amassed countless lifelong friends, and had a profound impact on the organizations to which she committed her time.
Debbie enjoyed spending time with her husband Rob of 46 years, and dog Rozie on and around the water. They loved walking by the Manasquan Inlet and boating at the Manasquan River Yacht Club. With her administrative know-how and Rob’s skilled craftsmanship, they were able to create a home in Brielle where friends and family could gather and enjoy time together. Debbie and Rob provided a home where everyone was welcome, which was something they had aspired to do throughout their life together. Debbie had tremendous pride for her children and enjoyed any time they could spend together, sharing laughs as well as her wisdom about career and life goals, and was a second mother to many of their friends.
Debbie is survived by her husband Robert, mother Marilyn Grinwis, sisters Diane Gundrum and Donna Hans, her daughter Alyson and Alyson’s husband Tyler, her son Greg and Greg’s wife Danya and their daughter Chloe. She also leaves behind a trove of incredible friends and colleagues, all of whom she considered part of her family.
Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan. Services will be held on January 21, 2023 at 11 AM at The Church in Brielle with a Celebration of Life Reception at the Manasquan River Yacht Club at 12:30 PM. Debbie asked that in lieu of flowers, donations please be made to Sloan Kettering Ovarian Cancer Research, in Memory of Deborah Zilai, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028 or online at http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/Lovefordebz. To send condolences to the family please visit orenderfamilyhome.net.

Published by Orender Family Home on Dec. 9, 2022.