Mrs. Loretta (Spina) Leach Moccaldi

UTICA – After a fruitful life, Mrs. Loretta (Spina) Leach Moccaldi, age 89, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8, 2026. Not only in life, but also during her final journey, she was never without her family and friend’s love, thoughts, and prayers. Born in Utica on January 28, 1937, Loretta was the daughter of the late Rosario and Christine (Torchia) Spina. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1955. Over the course of a fulfilling and successful career as a librarian, she worked in several local facilities, including the East Utica Branch of the Utica Public Library on Lansing Street, and the T.R. Proctor High School and J.F. Kennedy Junior High School libraries. She retired in 1992 after contributing 38 years of conscientious and dedicated service to students, library goers, and book lovers throughout the community. Also, beginning in 1958, she pursued a second professional path as well, that of piano instructor to many budding local pianists. On June 29, 1984, Loretta wed Kenneth Leach and their marriage spanned ten years prior to his passing on October 30, 1994. She always held close to her heart Kenneth’s family, son, Kevin Leach and his wife, Wendy; and son-in-law, Michael Stanek. Loretta was given the blessing of a second wonderful marriage when she wed Anthony L. Moccaldi on May 18, 2002. Considering their union to be one made in heaven, Loretta and Anthony shared a deeply loving and devoted relationship, grounded in mutual respect, genuine friendship, and unwavering care for one another. Their time together was filled with warmth and companionship, and even after his passing on September 6, 2014, the love they shared remained a lasting and cherished part of her heart. From that blessed union she dutifully embraced her role as stepmother to Deborah Olivadese-Moccaldi, and Ronald R. Moccaldi and his wife Rose (Garcia) Moccaldi. She was preceded in death by her stepchildren, Anthony A. Moccaldi, who passed away on January 13, 2022, James “Jimmy” Moccaldi, and Cynthia Stanek. Both of Loretta’s relationships brought a number of step-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren; and step-great-great-grandchild. Loretta’s daily life revolved around her family and friends. Possessing a nurturer’s desire to care for people and a perfectionist’s determination to make everything right, she offered her help to anyone in need, especially those who were afflicted with illness or physical problems. Ever willing to give selflessly of her time and energy, she always placed the concerns of everyone else before her own. Her sincere compassion and concern for others motivated her to be a frequent visitor to nursing homes and hospitals where she provided her company and support to those who were infirm. In addition, she was a familiar face at local funeral homes and churches where she paid her respects to deceased relatives and friends while offering condolences, comfort, and sympathy to surviving family members. In 2014 she led a successful “Bra Give Away” campaign where she collected over 500 bras to be distributed to women in need residing within her community. Her caring nature even showed itself in her loving devotion to her dog, Chico, both during his lifetime and in her fond memories of him since his death in 1997. Along with all her good works and dedication to others, she leavened her serious concerns with her unique and engaging sense of humor. She kept herself young and active by the company she kept and the friendships she fostered. Loretta was a lifelong and avid reader. In addition, she was fascinated by the study of genealogy and especially enjoyed researching her own family tree. In fact, she was affectionately referred to as “the Historian” by her family and friends. She enjoyed listening to music and loved to dance. She was an active member of the T.R. Proctor Class of ’55 Reunion Committee as well as the Sigma Chi Alpha Sorority; Loretta cherished the lifelong bond she shared with her Sigma Chi Alpha sorority sisters. No matter how much time passed, they stayed connected, sharing laughter, memories, and a sense of understanding that only they could know. Their sisterhood remained a steady and meaningful part of her life. Loretta held each of them close to her heart and deeply missed those who preceded her, finding comfort in the lasting connection they all shared. During her childhood and for many years after, she was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and St. Agnes Church. A prayer warrior, Loretta’s prayer list was endless, and she generously devoted her time and God-given spirituality to each person and intention she held close. Her devotion to the Lord was deeply felt and reflected to others in a truly benevolent manner. Loretta was born one of three children and shared her whole heart with her sister, Sister Daniella Spina, O.S.F., who passed away in 2013, and whose memory remained ever close to her. She also cherished her brother, Stephen Adams, who passed away in 2002. Loretta is survived by many cousins from the Spina, Torchia, and Coco families, with Joann Spina-Tomasetti, Danielle Coco-Brucker, and Tony Esposito holding a profound place in Loretta’s life, their devotion constant throughout; godchildren; and her brother-in-law, Louis Mastroianni (the late Rosemary Mastroianni) and their family. Loretta shared an enduring and respectful friendship and bond with Nancy Eannace. She was additionally predeceased by her step great-granddaughter, Kylah Leach; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Anthony and Beverly Annese, and her mother-in-law, Louise Moccaldi. The family gratefully acknowledges the exceptional care and compassion provided by Dr. Jane Samson, Tatiana's Band of Angels, along with the devoted staffs of Brookdale Assisted Living, the Masonic Home Wiley Hall, Wynn Hospital, and Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. Immense gratitude is also extended to Kirstin Suda, Erica Holovit, Emanie Gorden, Remiza Sipic, Natalie Allen, Jon Bosh, and Chris Huyck for the outstanding compassion and kindness shown to Loretta and her family- these nurses and aides rendered exemplary care, their attention to detail and commitment to perfection will never be forgotten. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Loretta’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet her loved ones at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, for those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Loretta’s memory to the American Diabetes Association online at https://diabetes.org/?form=Donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Loretta (Spina) Leach Moccaldi

January 28, 1937 - May 8, 2026