Loretta Rotell

1933 - 2020

Loretta Rotell, 87, of Hamden, Conn., passed away peacefully, Aug. 9, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Joseph Rotell.

Loretta was born Aug. 4, 1933, in Dickson City, Pa., to the late Paul and Viola (Dzvileski) Polanin. Loretta was a graduate of Scranton State Hospital School of Nursing and began her career at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York City. After moving to Connecticut, she had a 35-year career as an RN, retiring as a nurse manager at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Loretta possessed a strong faith. She cooked often and was a baker and candy maker as well. She presided over the family's annual Christmas pierogi assembly line, supervising her grandchildren in the traditional methods. She read voraciously and was known for her beautiful lion collection as she was a Leo. Loretta and Joe traveled and spent many winters in the Pompano, Fla., area, making many friends over the years.

Most importantly, Loretta was surrounded constantly by her friends and family, who adored her and who she loved fiercely and unreservedly. Her generosity and strength of character have bettered the lives of all who loved her.

Besides her loving husband of 65 years, Joseph Rotell, she is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Phil) Spadaro, Tammy (Michael) Amore; her son, Jay (Jodie) Rotell; her six loving grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Hines, Amanda (Michael) Bolognia, Kristen (Joseph) Abraham, Michael (Colby) Amore, Jason Rotell and Jessica Rotell. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren (all born within five months of each other in 2018), Tommy Abraham, Rocco Bolognia and Brooklyn Hines, whom she adored. She is also survived by a brother, Bernard Polanin; and a sister, Terri Smith. In addition to her parents, Loretta was predeceased by her brother, Chet Polanin.

The family would like to thank Connecticut Hospice for their wonderful care of Loretta.

Funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. The Alderson-Ford Funeral home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit www.fordfh.com.