Loretta Esselman

Loretta A. Esselman, 93, of Prospect, died peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025.
She was born on July 8, 1932, in Cincinnati, OH, one of six children born to the late Francesco Mazzei and Elvira Seta Mazzei. Her siblings, James Mazzei, Hilda Novello, Constantina Trotta, Dante Mazzei and Caroline McPherrin precede her in death.
In addition to her siblings, she is preceded in death by her loving, dashing, and devoted husband of 61 years, Hubert E. Esselman. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Paul G. (Michele), Stephen E., Thomas M. (Mary), Mary Esselman Roberts (Greg), Gregory H. (Tammie), James T. (Diana Merelman), Julie Esselman Tomz (Michael); 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren with the arrival of three more expected soon. She is also mourned by Ingrid Peyton, her devoted caregiver for the past four years.
Loretta received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Cincinnati. She worked as a teacher, a church organist, and briefly for Shillito's Department Store, where she met Hubert. While raising their family in Cincinnati and later in Louisville, she worked as a substitute teacher and then music teacher for the Catholic grade school system. She also taught piano in her home. Loretta loved spending time with her family; listening to classical and Italian music; playing the organ and piano; taking power walks with Hubert; enjoying Italian food and wine; and basking in the sunshine on the patio with family, caregivers, and visitors. She also enjoyed traveling to see family. One of her favorite trips was to Fuscaldo, Italy, where she and Hubert explored the birthplace of her parents and met relatives. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Loretta and Hubert are joyfully together again, dancing to Rod Stewart or the Bee Gees, and cheering on the Bengals.
Loretta was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Holy Trinity, 501 Cherrywood Road with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Her family will be receiving visitors from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Ratterman Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road, St. Matthews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Down Syndrome of Louisville, 5001 Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, 40299.