Massapequa Native, Longtime Music Teacher Dies Of Cancer

MASSAPEQUA, NY — A Massapequa native, who went on to a career in music as a performer and teacher, has died.

Deborah Lifton, 48, died earlier this month after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer, the obituary said.

Before graduating from Massapequa High School, Lifton starred in several musical theater productions. Opera was also Lifton's calling, and she would be cast in major productions at the University of Michigan where she would perform with graduate students, the obituary said.

After completing her Master of Music at the Manhattan School of Music and began a 25-year teaching career, including positions at New York University, Ithaca College and the University of Hartford, where she also served as Vocal Division Director.

She is survived by her husband Daniel, and their daughter Maria.