Loretta Freeman Dattilo

Loretta Dattilo, 85, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024 in Cheshire, Connecticut. She was born in Mobjack, Virginia on September 4, 1938, the daughter of the late Captain Samuel Diggs Freeman II and Agnes (Colvin) Freeman. She was predeceased by her brother, Captain Samuel Diggs Freeman III.

Loretta is survived by her husband Joseph A. Dattilo of Cheshire, Connecticut; her sons Joseph L. Dattilo and his wife Mary of Cheshire, Connecticut, and Lawrence Dattilo and his wife Kimberly of Guilford, Connecticut; her granddaughters Kaitlin Dattilo and Natalie Dattilo. She is also survived by her nephew, Samuel Freeman, and her nieces Anne Gallo and Kristin Freeman.

Loretta attended the University of Connecticut. She was the long-time Administrative Assistant to the Director of Miller Memorial Library in Hamden, Connecticut and had a second career as the Director of the Hamden Federal Credit Union. For decades, Loretta was a member of the Saint Thomas Becket choir in Cheshire, and all the members were like a second family to her.

Loretta loved the many cats who shared her home throughout her life. Several were strays who seemed to know just where to go for a loving home. She also had a deep love of cooking and entertaining and was known to her family and friends as the best chef among them. She had boxes of recipes ranging from her legendary fried chicken to her amazing handmade cannelloni. She saved recipes created by her mother and grandmother and passed them down to her children. She also loved to dance and was delighted to teach anyone who asked how to swing dance, 1950’s style.

When she was in her final illness, one of the last things she said to her family was “Enjoy the journey. Make it a good one.”

Her family wishes to express special thanks to her caregivers at Marbridge Retirement Center, who took excellent care of her and treated her with kindness and dignity.

Burial will be private.

In remembrance of Loretta’s life, her family asks that any charitable donations be made to Cat Tales, online or by mail at Cat Tales, PO Box 901, Middletown, CT 06457.