Anita Deutsch's Obituary
Anita Deutsch
March 27, 1937 – May 16, 2026
Anita Gretczko Deutsch, the most beautiful, wonderful, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother-to-be, passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on March 27, 1937, in the South Bronx, Anita lived a life defined by love, warmth, generosity, and an extraordinary devotion to her family. She graduated from Morris High School in 1954, the same year as her classmate Colin Powell. The world lost a shining star today.
Anita later relocated to Ridgefield, New Jersey, shortly after the birth of her second child, and then to Boca Raton, Florida, shortly after her husband’s retirement in 1995. Throughout her life, she brought energy, humor, and kindness to everyone around her, and she was known as a cherished mother whose love and care knew no limits. Her cooking skills were unparalleled. As a result, her home was the gathering place for all family occasions and every family member anxiously looked forward to her delicious meals, including her unforgettable eggplant parmigiana. Her boundless spirit and endless energy were often compared to the Energizer Bunny, a widely recognized metaphor for endless energy and persistence.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of nearly 66 years, Norman, as well as her loving parents, Edith Lanoff Gretczko and Harry Gretczko, and her brothers Sam and Robert. Anita is survived by her daughter, Robyn Telepun, and her husband John; her son, Rory Deutsch, and his wife Judith; her grandson Jeremy Telepun and his wife Erika; her granddaughter Nicole Alers and her husband Andrew; and her great-grandchild-to-be. Anita is also survived by her sister Gloria Gretczko Levine, and her brothers Irwin Gretczko and his wife Linda, and Ronald Gretczko and his wife Susan.
Anita loved laughter, sunshine, good times, and above all, time spent with family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel cared for, and she consistently went out of her way to do things for the people she loved. In her working life, she held various office positions during both her single and married years, and she was always known as the most valued employee wherever she worked.
Anita’s life was a beautiful example of love, generosity, and devotion. She will be remembered always for her enormous heart, boundless love, kindness, her sense of fun, love of dance and the incredible joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She was such a big personality and so full of life that it is impossible to imagine this world without her light shining on it. We were all so incredibly blessed to have her in our lives.
We cannot put into words how much she will be missed.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Anita’s name to the Disabled American Veterans.
What’s your fondest memory of Anita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anita?
Share a story where Anita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anita you’ll never forget.
How did Anita make you smile?

