Loretta Malafronte

Loretta Malafronte
Loretta Josephine Vazzano Malafronte, age 89, peacefully passed away on July 8, 2023, on a beautiful Saturday evening in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Born May 17, 1934, Loretta was a lifelong resident of Trumbull, CT, and had been residing in Pompano Beach, Florida, for the last 15 years. She was the second youngest child of the late Guiseppe and Dominica Poeta Vazzano, the beloved mother of the late Gina Malafronte, wife of the late James Malafronte Jr., and loving daughter-in-law of the late Catherine Malafronte.
Survived by her son, James Malafronte III, who cherished sharing the last three years by her side, and Joseph Gugliotti, her devoted partner of 32 years, who provided love and support through good and tough times.
Loretta was the last of her ten siblings, preceded in death by her brothers, Frank, Stephen, Orlando and Rudolph Vazzano, and sisters, Lillian Mastronardi, Margaret Gulia, Theresa Parnoff, and her best friends, Gloria Caltabiano, and Beatrice Mastronardi.
Alongside Lillian and Beatrice, her late brother-in-law, Enrico "Rex" Mastronardi, embraced Loretta and her children as his own, sharing cherished holiday traditions together.
Loretta held a special place in her heart for her nephews, including the late great Enrico "Rick" Mastronardi, "second son" Michael Mastronardi, and nieces, Donna Vogel, "our unwavering source of strength", and her beloved Goddaughter, Lisa Fitzgerald.
Adored by all, Loretta was cherished by nieces, nephews and dear friends who shared her passions, notably her love for ballroom dancing, showcased in a PBS TV special in Connecticut and as an assistant instructor at The Gold Coast Ballroom, in Coconut Creek, Florida, one of the premier dance destinations in the United States.
An avid walker and bridge player, Loretta enjoyed leisurely strolls at St. Mary's by the Sea, though her brisk pace often left others trailing behind. Tuesday nights were dedicated to bridge, where she and her favorite sister-in-law, Rose, were a formidable team, engaging in spirited matches with friends.
A skilled cosmetologist for I-Natural Cosmetics and a gracious host at her family's restaurants, the Three Bears and Vazzy's, Loretta exuded a timeless sense of style and an early commitment to healthy living. Despite her attempts to sneak cod liver oil into the children's orange juice, she was renowned for making the best chicken cutlets and eggplant parmigiana in the neighborhood.
Loretta's boundless compassion and selflessness endeared her to all who knew her, embodying a spirit of kindness and generosity that touched the lives of many. As eloquently noted in her high school yearbook, "Loretta's beauty and personality cannot be surpassed".
Though we mourn the loss of our beloved Loretta, our cherished "Pal", we find solace in the belief that she is now rejoined with her dear family, embraced by eternal peace and love at God's table.
You will forever remain a vibrant presence in our hearts and memories.
Loretta's funeral was officiated by her friend, Father Joseph Sileo on September 16, 2023, at St. Henry's Church in Pompano Beach, FL. Services were entrusted by Neptune Society. A Mass will be held at Saint Catherine of Sienna Church in Trumbull, CT, on the 16th of May, coinciding with Gina's anniversary and Loretta's Birthday.
Much thanks and love to the Hounds.