Obituary of Doreen C. Averill-Garafolo

Doreen C. (Luongo) Averill-Garafolo, 52, of Tully, passed away on February 19, 2021 after a hard fought battle with Cancer for two years. She was born September 14, 1968 in Newark, NJ to Thomas Luongo and Catherine (Barker) Antonakos. After graduating from Union High School in Union, NJ 1986, she moved to Syracuse, NY in 1989.  She worked for Bristol Meyers Squibb for 22 years until they closed, and then received her RN degree at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Syracuse. It was during this time she had two sons: Trevor and Kaden Averill. Recently she has been employed as a Private Duty Nurse so that she could care for her younger sons, Lorenzo and Jayce Garafolo.

Doreen was a lively spirit and had a strong love for her music. She enjoyed attending concerts with friends, and sporting events with her sons. She especially loved being a Mom and lived for her children. She also had a strong bond with her dogs, Rocky, Reo, and Gigi. Doreen was an avid gardener. She had strong ties to the Jersey Shore, and always said “You can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can’t take Jersey out of the girl”. Doreen’s empathy and compassion for others was beyond measure.

She is predeceased by: her father, Thomas Luongo, Sr.; and daughter, Maya, in December 2003. She is survived by: children, Trevor, and Kaden Averill, Lorenzo and Jayce Garafolo; mother, Catherine Antonakos; brother, Thomas Luongo, Jr.; Fiance, Shawn Schreiner; and many relatives throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Doreen touched many lives, and will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 2584 Field Lane, LaFayette, NY. A funeral service will follow at 4 pm. To order flowers or plant a memorial tree for Doreen, please use the Send Flowers button under her obituary on the funeral home website. To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please view Doreen's Tribute Wall.