Loretta Teresa Esposito

Bethpage, New York – Loretta Esposito, a kind and gentle soul who loved her family with an unwavering, tender heart, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the age of 88. Born in Brooklyn, Loretta was the true heartbeat of her family, walking, and many times dancing, through life with a rare, quiet confidence and a spirit of kindness that touched everyone she met. Whenever people talk about Loretta, the first thing they mention is how she truly never had an unkind word for anyone; she just had a way of seeing the good in everyone.

Loretta was known for her whimsical personality and a loveable way that made every day brighter. She had a unique gift for knowing when not to take life too seriously. Her family fondly remembers her airport dash to the Dominican Republic after forgetting her passport, the time she tried to pay a bridge toll with loose dollar bills, and her habit of affectionately calling everyone “Mack” while behind the wheel.

Loretta often reminisced about her youth on Bergen Street, surrounded by a large extended family, going to dances, roller skating with her cousins, and taking her nephews for walks through Prospect Park. It was during a card game hosted by her brothers that she met the love of her life, Frank. Frank and Loretta married on January 19, 1961 and began a beautiful life together rooted in warmth and security.

As a mother, Loretta was a steady rock. She turned her home into a true sanctuary, wrapping everyone in unconditional love and the aroma of home-cooked meals. We still smile thinking about her 'health kick' phase, when chicken and broccoli appeared a little too often. But Sunday sauce was always the real staple, and her meatloaf, unbeatable. Loretta and Frank prioritized education while ensuring life was filled with comfort and fun, from the arrival of their dog Pierre (after discovering the family was allergic to stray cats) to memorable summer vacations at Lake George. At just 47, Loretta faced the heartbreaking loss of the love of her life, Frank. Even while navigating her own grief, her first instinct was to shield her daughtersTeresa, then a sophomore at Molloy, and Donna, a senior at Holy Trinity. With incredible strength and a mother’s devotion, she stepped into every role, managing the home and finances while never letting a day go by without wrapping her girls in the same steady love and comfort they had always known.

Loretta was a woman with a truly loving heart, whose life was a beautiful tapestry of devotion. She poured her love into caring for her husband Frank during his illness, and after he passed, she continued that gentle care by looking after her mother and always providing a mother’s love to family and friends. When the "call for assistance" finally quieted and her daughters were grown, Loretta took the opportunity to focus on herself. She learned to play golf, became an avid bike rider, and traveled the world. She was a "watcher of sunsets" and a leading member of her church, the DSC, and the Rosary Society.

In her later years, Loretta’s infectious spirit found a new outlet as a companion for local seniors and a doting grandmother. She loved walking her granddaughters to the local shops and parks, sharing stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Loretta is survived by her loving daughters, Teresa and Donna; her cherished grandchildren, Bella, Lara, and Vicki; and a wide circle of friends fortunate enough to have known her genuine spirit. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank, and her four older brothers, Willie, Anthony, Artie, and Joey.

In honor of her joyful spirit, the family asked you to share a favorite Loretta story and or photos.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to House with Heart, a charity the family supports and works with and a cause that reflects her gentle and kind nature. https://housewithheart.org/donate If donating, please take care to note in memory of Loretta Esposito.

Visitation will be held at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, 125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 on March 25, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Family Church, 17 Fordham Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801 on March 26, 2026, at 10:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd, Calverton, NY 11933.