Loretta Dorothea DeRosso 
We celebrate the life of Loretta DeRosso, a remarkable individual who filled our lives with joy, creativity, and love. Loretta was born on August 22, 1930, as the youngest of five children to Leonardo and Anna Guido. Growing up with one older brother and three sisters, Loretta was surrounded by a loving family that nurtured her spirit and encouraged her pursuit of the arts.
At the tender age of nine, Loretta embarked on a musical journey, studying piano under the guidance of George DeLamater. For nearly a decade, she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for music. During her teenage years, Loretta attended the Manes Music School, where her talent and dedication shone through, further shaping her as an accomplished musician.
Loretta's thirst for knowledge and love for music led her to study voice with Maestro Pescia at his prestigious studio in the Hotel Ansonia in New York City. In addition to her vocal training, she also took on the role of Maestro Pescia's secretary, showcasing her exceptional organizational skills and commitment to her craft.
In 1948, Loretta graduated from Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey, marking the beginning of her journey into adulthood. It was in 1955 that she embarked on a new chapter of her life, as she married the love of her life, Santo DeRosso. Together, they created a beautiful family and were blessed with four incredible children, whose names will forever be cherished in their hearts.

While Loretta's love for music remained a constant throughout her life, she also found joy in serving others. For a remarkable 16 years, she dedicated herself as a front desk receptionist at Jencraft in Totowa, New Jersey, warmly greeting and assisting everyone who walked through the doors. Her kindness and friendly nature left a lasting impact on all those she encountered.
Loretta's musical talents extended beyond her own personal enjoyment; she used her gift to bring happiness to others. She delighted residents at Hearle Village and Cedar Crest with her beautiful piano performances during weekly happy hours. Her melodies filled their hearts with joy and created lasting memories for all who experienced her talent.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Loretta was a woman of many talents. Her love for poetry led her to become a published poet, with her works being recognized and preserved in the Library of Congress. She also dedicated her voice to advocating for animal rights and expressing her thoughts through the editorial section of the Newark Star Ledger. Her words were a testament to her compassionate and caring nature, and she used them to make a positive impact on the world.

As we bid farewell to Loretta today, we remember her as a loving and devoted individual who leaves behind a legacy of beauty and inspiration. Her family, whom she cherished dearly, received one last gift from her—a poem that encouraged them to live a life filled with joy and love. Loretta's presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
Rest in peace, dear Loretta. May your soul find eternal harmony in the melodies of the heavens.

Loretta will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted children, John DeRosso and wife Marjorie, Anna Maria  DeRosso Pinadella  and husband Mike, Loretta DeRosso Stadler and husband Chris, Dr. Robert DeRosso and wife Melanie, 9 grandchildren; Kristen, Julia, John Ryan, Jackie, Michael, Christopher P., Gabrielle, Christopher S., Alexandra and 3 great-grandchildren, Michael, James and Madeleine. Predeceased by siblings; Anna Illipronti, Angelina Thompson, Virginia Guenther and Matthew Guido.

Family will receive friends and relatives Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30am in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford. A Funeral Mass of Christian Liturgy at 12:00pm in the Church of Saint Mary, Rutherford. Interment following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 179 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 

To honor Loretta, donations may be made in her name to: Memorials Processing  St.JudeChildren’s Research Hospital   501 St. Jude Place  Memphis,TN 38101-9959                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ** If needed for your convenience pre-addressed envelopes will be available in FH Lobby**