Obituary of Loretta Ann Strelec

Loretta Ann Strelec (née Sandello), a lifelong Madison resident, passed away quietly at home on Friday, January 17, 2025 with her loving family at her side. She was 86.

Loretta is survived by three sons, Joseph Strelec, Jr., Robert Strelec and his wife Jill & Andrew Strelec and his wife Lynn; one daughter, Jacqueline Pisciotto and her husband James; eight cherished grandchildren, Jonathan Strelec (Emily), Alyson Feuerstein (Mark), James Pisciotto (Samantha), Dominick Pisciotto (Abbie), Juliana Pami (Joe), Joseph Pisciotto, Sydney Strelec & Jason Strelec; seven great-grandchildren, James, Gracie, Jack, Vera, Owen, Elena, Annalise & another two great-grand babies on the way; and many loving extended family members & dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Loretta was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph P. Strelec, Sr. in 2023; her infant son, Ralph Strelec; and her brother Ralph “Dukie” A. Sandello.

Loretta was born to the late Ralph and Rose Sandello and was raised in Madison with her brother Ralph. From a young age Loretta learned her family and faith were paramount. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church. 

Loretta first met her husband Joseph at the Florham Park Rink and the rest is history. She and Joseph were married in 1955 and the couple settled in her childhood home on Union Avenue in Madison where they raised their family. Their marriage of 68 years, filled with love, companionship and history, was the cornerstone of her life. 

Loretta was extremely proud of her family, and her life revolved around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Time spent with Loretta was the best. She had a natural ability to entertain children, especially her grandchildren and they will treasure each and every special memory she created with them. She was also the go-to person in the family for childcare as she loved every minute spent with her grandchildren.

Loretta’s home was a gathering place for family and friends. She welcomed everyone into her home and her holiday parties were the greatest. Loretta loved to cook and always made sure everyone was well fed. Her warmth and generosity made her the heart of her family. 

Loretta was a crossing guard on the corner of Union Avenue and Kings Road for many years. She truly devoted her life to helping others.  

Loretta will be missed beyond measure, but we all also take peace in knowing she is with her Lord. She leaves behind a legacy of an incredible family, filled with love, gratitude and compassion.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Loretta on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 followed by Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

Memorial contributions may be made in Loretta's memory Alzheimer’s New Jersey Chapter, 425 Eagle Rock Avenue #203, Roseland, NJ 07068