For as long as her co-workers can remember, she has been the hub of the wheel at Lehighton Ford.

In what was an emotion-filled day, perhaps no one was as shocked as Deb Russo by a surprise retirement party held June 4 in her honor.

A look of disbelief was plastered on Russo’s face as she walked into a room full of co-workers, family members and friends who joined together to recognize her for 34.5 years of service.

Bill Klepeiss, general manager, was emotional as he spoke of Russo’s many fine characteristics that earned her the respect and admiration of all those who filled the room.

“Debbie’s been a blessing, and this place has never seen anybody that’s been as dedicated and cares about the place (as she does),” Klepeiss said. “There is no replacement for Debbie; you don’t replace people like that.”

Klepeiss said he could not begin to thank Russo enough for everything she’s done for him.

“She’s been there for me, and helped me immensely,” he said. “She’s good, and she’ll be missed.”

Perhaps Klepeiss summed it up best when he said “she’s the reason for our success.”

Matt Millen, president/majority owner, noted that there have been lots of changes that have happened at the dealership over the years, and that a lot of faces have changed.

“Debbie’s been the rock; she hasn’t changed,” Millen said. “That’s where we turned for everything.”

Millen said that the dealership is a team, and that in order for any team to be successful, it has to have people who possess loyalty, which he added “is a thing she has in spades.”

He added other traits that Russo exemplifies includes being trustworthy, and to have integrity.

“If you have that in an employee, you’re golden,” he said. “You’re like family.”

Klepeiss said that because Russo has committed herself to the business as long as she has, it was only fitting that they honor her for her service.

“You’ve been phenomenal, and are such a humble person,” he said. “You never turned your back on anyone in this place.”

As usual, Russo, who serves as office manager, displayed the humbleness that she’s been known for all these years.

“It’s been a long time; it’s difficult to leave,” Russo said. “It’s like a big family.”

Russo said she will always have a special fondness for the dealership.

“I’ll miss the people,” she said. “You make a lot of friends, try your best.”

When asked about her decision, Russo, of Palmerton, said simply, “It’s time to retire.”

Russo said she started with the company when it was Lehighton Lincoln Mercury on Route 209, before it merged with Lehighton Ford.

Asked for her reaction to the party, Russo said it was totally unexpected.

“A little disbelief, very surprised,” she said. “It’s very humbling, and nice to know that you’re appreciated by the people you’ve worked with so long.”

Above all else, Russo said she always strived to be the best employee she could.

“I’ve always tried to do everything with integrity,” she said. “And help everybody as well as I can.”