Debra S. Galloway

Debra S. Galloway, 72, of Dexter, New York, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

She was born on December 30, 1952, in Watertown, New York, the daughter of Carlos E. and Geraldine J. (Ellsworth) Stafford. Debra grew up in Black River, and in 1958, the family moved to Mexico City while her father worked to build and operate a paper mill. They returned to Black River in 1959, where she later graduated from Carthage Central High School.

Debra pursued her passion for art and education, attending Canton ATC, SUNY Potsdam, and SUNY Buffalo, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree and certification in art education. She dedicated her entire career to the General Brown Central School District, where she not only taught art but also established the school’s art department and curriculum. She also taught Spanish during her time there. Debra retired after many years of devoted service to her students and school community.

It was at General Brown where she met Clifford “Skip” Galloway, who worked in the school’s maintenance department. The two were married on July 18, 1991, in Watertown. Together, they built their home and life in Pillar Point, Dexter, where they operated a small hobby farm. Debra enjoyed boarding horses and caring for peacocks and a variety of other animals. She was also licensed to care for wounded wild and exotic animals.

Debra was a former president and director of the Stone Mills Agricultural Museum and was deeply passionate about preserving local history and culture. She cherished spending time with her family and friends at their summer home—formerly the World’s Pavilion—located in Little Kildare in the Adirondacks, as well as at their cottage on Lake Ontario.

Among her survivors are her beloved husband of 34 years, Clifford “Skip” Galloway; three stepchildren: Tana L. and Billy Caprara of Dexter, NY; Rob C. and Stephanie Galloway of Pulaski, NY; and Joshua L. Galloway and his companion Shanna Reed of Boise, ID; six grandchildren: Jessica Caprara, Billie Warner, Jacob, McKya, Ryker, and Emersyn Galloway; two great-grandchildren: Kingston and Jaeden; her brother and sister-in-law, Charles E. and Nancy (Walsh) Stafford of Black River, NY; and her sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Robert Bowen of Canton, NY, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 16, from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Bruce Funeral Home, 131 Maple Street, Black River. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will take place in the Black River Cemetery. 

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life following the services from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Rustic on Pillar Point.

Donations in Debra’s memory may be made to. 

SPCA: www.jeffersoncountyspca.org

Hospice: www.jeffersonhospice.org

Online condolences may be shared at www.brucefh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.