Loretta T. Esswein

Loretta Theresa Esswein, 96, of Plainview, New York, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023. The beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Esswein for an impressive 72 years, Loretta is survived by four children and their spouses: Jeannine and Daniel Thomasch; Craig and Susan Esswein; Robert and Anne Marie Esswein; and Mark and Jean Esswein; as well as 13 grandchildren: Brian, Scott, Stephen, Emma, Michael, Paul, Melissa, Robert, Emily, Evan, Meredith, Jacqueline, and Neil. Born December 24, 1926, in Brooklyn, NY to Harry and Alice Budd, Loretta grew up embodying the ideals of the era: elegance, charm, and personality. She was active, hardworking, managing a full-time job as a secretary while raising four children and caring for her aging mother. She worked well into her seventies, taking pleasure from keeping busy and the interactions with others, then shifted even more of her attention to her family and community, babysitting her grandchildren frequently. Loretta took pride in being the consummate hostess, a trait that neither age nor limitation diminished. A frequent and gracious host for many years, she still loved to entertain even as her energy and mobility faded; through the end of her life, she was known for sitting outside her home with Bob offering dog treats to any neighbors who passed by with their pets, or for offering a beverage and a treat to anyone who came by the house. Loretta's warm presence will be missed by all those who knew her, from her family, to her neighbors, to her dedicated aide, Hope, and especially by any dog lucky enough to have crossed paths with her, who would have been the beneficiary of whatever food was close by. The family will receive visitors Tuesday, June 27th, 4-9 pm at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc., 234 Broadway, Bethpage. Funeral Service Tuesday, June 27th, 7 pm at the funeral home. Entombment Wednesday, June 28th, 11:30 am at Pinelawn Memorial Park.