ALBANY – Loretta Rose Oppedisano Kelly, 63, of Albany, passed away at St. Peter’s Hospice on Thursday, September 16, 2010 following a courageous 8 ½ year battle with multiple myeloma. Born in Albany on March 31, 1947, Loretta educated herself and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Russell Sage College. She loved being a Physical Therapist, especially her work with the Visiting Nurse Association of Albany, the Center for the Disabled, and her private patients. Loretta’s greatest love was her beautiful daughter, Kristin, her precious grandchildren, Francesca Loretta and Sebastian Constantino, and her loving son-in-law, Sebastian Allan Vicencio. She wanted to express her gratitude to her sister Nancy Andre, her brother Richard, and sister-in-law Rose (Rocco) Oppedisano who gave her so much support and encouragement during the course of her illness.
Loretta was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary Oppedisano, and her brother Joe (Jodie) Oppedisano. Survivors include her daughter Kristin Kelly-Vicencio; her son-in-law Sebastian Allan Vicencio; her grandchildren Francesca Loretta and Sebastian Constantino; her godson and nephew Joey Andre (Kelly) of Grafton; her nieces Alicia Andre Sousa-Saints (Justin) of Bermuda, Rachel Andre of Albany, and Christopher Andre (Cheryl) of Portland, Oregon; her brothers James (Barbara) and Richard; her sister-in-law Rose Rocco Oppedisano; her sisters Rosemary Grieco of Albany, Antionette Bosco of Brookfield, Connecticut, Jeannette Oppedisano Laird (Ken) of Castleton, and Nancy Andre (Joe) of Henderson, Nevada. She is also survived by many other close nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, who brought her much happiness over the years. Loretta felt very fortunate to have childhood friends, especially Gail Notz Cotler and Patricia Daley Harvey, who remained loyal to her over the years.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Loretta wished that contributions would be made in her name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 15 Tech Valley Drive, Suite 4, East Greenbush, NY 12061. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Teena Rossi
I’m so very sorry to hear about Loretta. I pray that she was without pain and with ones that loved her. I’m sure their’s nothing that can be said to make this hurt any less. I have some really good memories of her from many years ago and still think of her as that cute, bubbly cousin with a great smile from Albany.
Love to all of you.
Eri and Violy Vicencio
Our sincere condolence.
Love,
The Vicencios of Palos Verdes, CA
Kim Halstead
Grove Avenue will never be the same. Losing Loretta is a great loss. She always did the neighborly thing. Lending a hand when and where she could. Just having her and her beautiful family across the street was always a comfort. She was so positive and full of energy. Even though she was ill, I’m sure she could run cirlcles around me. I can see into the backyard from the front of my house. I would always watch her walking and spending time with Frankie. What a wonderful grandmother to have memories of. I feel privileged to have known her. I’m very sad. Kristin, Al, Frankie and Sebastian I’m across the street if you need me. Love always Kim
M. KAY DELLIMORE
DEAR KRISTIN AND FAMILY OF LORETTA R. KELLY
SAYING GOODBYE TO LORETTA, MY DEAR FRIEND, IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS I HAVE EVER DONE. EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THAT SHE IS FINALLY OUT OF PAIN–I WILL MISS HER.
WHEN I MET LORETTA IN N.Y. IN 1968. WE BECAME IMMEDIATE FRIENDS–AND HAVE REMAINED FRIENDS FOR 42 YRS. LIVING IN DIFFERENT STATES, WE COULDN’T SEE EACH OTHER OFTEN AS WE WOULD HAVE LIKED–BUT- I MARVEL THAT LORETTA NEVER, EVER FORGOT MY BIRTHDAY OR CHRISTMAS, NO MATTER WHAT SHE WAS GOING THROUGH.
AS I SMILE THROUGH MY TEARS, WHILE ADMIRING A FRAMED PHOTO OF SHE AND I THAT SHE GAVE ME AS A GIFT DURING OUR LAST VISIT, MY FINAL THOUGHTS ARE OF HER ACTUALLY APOLOGIZING FOR NOT GETTING A CARD TO ME THIS YEAR–AND AMAZINGLY, A FEW DAYS BEFORE SHE PASSED, PUTTING A CALL THROUGH TO ME TO ASK ME NOT TO CRY FOR HER–AND THANKING ME FOR ALL THE YEARS OF OUR FRIENDSHIP.
SHE WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, STRONGEST AND UNSELFISH PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET–I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HER AND CHERISH THE FRIENDSHIP WE’VE SHARED. SHE WILL REMAIN IN MY HEART ALWAYS…….
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE WHOLE FAMILY.
JoAnn Porcello
Although I only met Loretta a few times she was a wonderful women and always made me laugh. She will be missed!
Joe Andre
My sympathy to you all. I will miss Loretta. Albany will never be the same.
Love
Chastity Vicencio
Loretta was an extraordinarily loving and caring human being who was genuine and kind to everyone. I am honored to have met her. She will truly be missed, and heaven is lucky to gain her as an angel.
Al Vicencio
One if my last moments with her in the hospital, before telling me she loved me and to take care of our family she mustered the energy to remind me to change the batteries of the smoke detectors in the basement. That’s my Mother-in-law in a nutshell, always thinking of the safety of our family first.
Your humor always comforted us. Your one of a kind Loretta. We love you.
-Your family
Isabel Vicencio
May God’s love comfort you all in this difficult time.
With Deepest sympathy,
Vicencio’s of San Diego
Teresa Vicencio
Before I met Loretta I braced myself to meet this tough Titan. After all, the stories I heard were so impressive. To my surprise when we met, she was petite and gentle; almost soft like a billowing cloud. But, …oh so effervescent you knew what existed inside was the strength and will of a warrior.
As she watched our children grow, the delight that danced in her eyes and the joy in her voice made it impossible not to fall for her. While the years passed and the trials increased, I watched the mighty warrior struggle and prevail. In our dark days, she was always a beacon of inspiration.
I have never met a person of such determination. I am grateful to have met Loretta.
Little Sister,
Weep my dear yes, but fear not, for we are always by your side…
Lovingly,
Teres, Roger, Samantha & Mikey
Vanessa Dale
We only knew Loretta for a year, but in that time we got to know her, and our son Mason grew to love being with her as another “grandma”. She was an amazingly energetic, active, inspiring and wise woman. She was a strong, sure person (even in illness), yet obviously had a heart of gold and loved her family dearly. We are grateful to have known her and have benefited from her generosity and wisdom. It is comforting to know her spirit is in peace, and will go on and on. I am sure she is watching over her beautiful family as I write this.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to all the loved one Loretta left behind. We hope time will heal your broken hearts.
Love,
the Dale family
Eileen Foley Guiry
To Loretta’s Family,
I was saddened to learn of Loretta’s passing at such a young age. I knew Loretta from 7th and 8th grade at Catheral Academy. She always had a great smile and friendly way. From reading the above comments she carried that into adulthood. I hope that she is smiling down on all us who knew her even ones she only knew for a short time. She left her mark on all she met. May she rest in peace.
I also remember her good friend, Gail Notz, from Cathedral. I think of all the people I was fortunate to meet when I attended Cathedral. I have fond memories of those two years spent in that “BIG” school. After graduation, I moved on to Mercy High School. Sometimes I wish that I had gone on to Cardinal McCloskey to be with my Cathedral friends. Life has a way of moving in a circle. I think this is one, not a very happy one but still a connection is felt.
My sincere condolences to all of Loretta’s family and friends.
Louie Stein
I am deeply sorrowed to hear of the passing of Loretta. I had the priviledge of going to Cathederal and Cardinal Mc Closkey with Loretta. She was truly one of the sweetest, kindest and friendliest people I ever knew. Her bubbly personality and lovely smile made my day during those years. She always had a kind word for everyone and was a true friend. To this day whenever I look at my yearbook I always read the beautiful full page note she wrote to me..When anyone looks at my yearbook they always ask who is Loretta.
Just thinking of her and Gail Notz hanging out on Delaware Avenue in those days still brings a smile to my face..The two of them where inseparable. I’m sure her family loved her dearly and I will keep Loretta and them in my prayers. May God bless Loretta always and make her the angel she was on earth in heaven as well.
Richard Kelly Jr.
Kristin,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know it’s several days late, but I feel for you. Just know your Mom will always be there to listen. You may not see her, but she’ll be there for you and your family.
Sorry for your loss,
Love, Rich
Noel Liuzzi
Kristin and family………
I was your mom’s supervisor at the VNA of Albany. So many of us “old folk” here remember your mother as one of THE best therapists we have EVER had!! She was so happy and outgoing…so many of her patients loved her as well……….Loretta was one of a kind…….so compassionate about her patients and her work……..she has never been and never will be forgotten………God bless her! Heaven is a better place with Loretta there………….my sympathies to you all………what good memories we all share………….Noel Liuzzi
The Sears Family
We are so very sorry for your loss and that of your extended family.
Please rememeber she is with you always….that is what makes this difficult time bearable little by little. We will surely extend our condolences further with your Mother’s request, that you can be sure of…Love, Irene and Bob Sears
Frederica Stines
My deepest sympathies to the Vicencio, Oppedisano and Andre families. I have very fond memories of Loretta as a beautiful, warm, and generous person. She fought long and hard and is finally at peace. Kristin, I am so sorry I was not able to pay my respects in person but I hope to see you all soon. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Fredi