Debra J Scarponi

Debra Jean (Mackey) Scarponi passed peacefully on Oct. 8, surrounded by her children and husband, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. She was 64.

Born on Feb. 6, 1961, Debra was the beloved daughter of Ethan J. Mackey and Elizabeth R. (Timmins) Mackey. She was raised in Dover and graduated from Dover High School in 1979.

Debra began her career with the Department of State in 1992 as a contractor, and in 1996, accepted a position as a passport specialist. Her dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to the agency led to her promotion as a supervisory passport specialist, a leadership role she held with care and distinction.

Deb retired in October of 2024, closing out a remarkable career that spanned more than 30 years of devoted service to the agency and the public it serves.

Debra was remembered as a trusted leader, who made a lasting impact on those around her. She was admired for her courage, strength, and unwavering integrity. She had a firm, yet compassionate leadership style. She set high standards and held others accountable, yet she always showed genuine care and concern for people. She led with heart and nurtured a workplace culture that was grounded in kindness and respect, where people felt genuinely appreciated. Her rare combination of integrity, empathy, and grace left a lasting impression—one that will continue to inspire for years to come.

She lived in Dover for most of her life and shared 23 years of marriage with her loving husband, Kevin Scarponi. In their earlier years, Deb was a regular at Kevin's gigs with his band, Even Steven, which played classic soft-rock and country hits from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. She loved dancing and singing out loud to the music. She loved that the band closed out most every show with one of her favorites, "Dixie Chicken" by Little Feat.

Debra was a devoted mother of four children and a second mother to many of her kids' friends. She was remembered by her family as a dedicated mom, who took care of everyone around her.

"She was so generous, caring and welcoming," remarks her daughter, Melissa Hawkins, of Dover. "She welcomed anyone that we brought home and treated them like they were her kids. Mom was there for everyone."

Deb enjoyed adventure, taking trips to the Dominican Republic and Cancun. For her 50th birthday, the whole family pitched in to send her to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a vacation. She loved relaxing at the beach with a cocktail.

In recent years, Debra enjoyed traveling in her daughter's RV, Rose. They visited state parks in Utah, drove through mountains in Colorado, and watched the sunset at Wells Beach in Maine.
Debra will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Kevin T. Scarponi, of Dover. She leaves a daughter, Melissa L. (Clough) Hawkins, of Dover; and three sons, Jason T. Clough and his wife Melissa, of Barrington, NH; Joshua E. Clough, of Columbia City, IN; and Justin E. Clough, of Dover. She also leaves two grandchildren; and two stepsons, Evan Scarponi and his wife Kyla, of York, ME; Taylor Scarponi, of Eliot, ME; and three step grandchildren. She is survived by her four brothers, Timothy, Joseph, Michael and Brian Mackey, and her sister, Kathleen H. (Mackey) Purington; and several nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 at Tasker Funeral home, 621 Central Ave. in Dover. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 at St. Mary's Cemetery, 43 Dover Point Rd. in Dover.

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