Loretta A. (Castaldi) Messick
Loretta A. (Castaldi) Messick, age 83, formerly of Monroe Avenue, Wilmington Manor, died December 16, 2021, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Mrs. Messick was first and foremost a homemaker, raising her five children in Wilmington Manor. Her children grown, she worked and retired from New Castle County Parks & Recreation in 1998. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church for over 60 years, and was a former parishioner of St. Elizabeth Parish, Wilmington, and a graduate of its high school. Her yearbook stated, “Never a dull moment when Loretta is around.” Those words described her throughout her life.
Loretta was the daughter of the late Margaret and Frank Castaldi, who passed away in 1995.
Loretta is survived by her three sons, Frank (Terry), William, Jr. (Ruthie), Kevin (Sue); daughter, Sheryl Cook; son-in-law, Richard Pruett; eight grandchildren, Michael, Alina, Amanda, Anton, Krystina, Brian, Samantha, and Katie; and four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Mason, Gina, Sophia, and one “on the way, Charlotte”. She is also survived by her two brothers, Frank and Thomas Castaldi, who were devoted to her throughout her life, especially when she became a widow. “The best brothers a sister could have”. Also surviving her are sisters-in-law, Molly Drozdowski and Betty Messick, and brother-in-law, Harry Messick.
In addition to her parents, Loretta is predeceased by her husband, William C. (1989) and daughter, Sheila A. Messick Pruett (2011).
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am by her close family friend, The Rev. John J. Mink. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Loretta’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, at the address listed above.
The Gusemans
To our West Monroe family,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of the wonderful “Mrs Messick.” She meant a great deal to us and we will cherish the memories of happy times shared over the years. Her love of family and friends was immeasurable. We take consolation in knowing she is at peace and has been reunited with her beloved Sheila and, undoubtedly, they are joyfully catching up.
With much love always,
Dawn, Gary, Kelly and Hayden
Linda Mitchell
Tom,
Extending condolences to you and your family.
Sr. Ann David
Sheryl,
You and your family are in my prayers. may God comfort you in your loss of you mom.
Susan H Castelletti
Frankie, Billy, Sheryl and Kevin
My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your mom. Loretta was the best sister-in-law
anyone could have asked for. We always had so much fun when we
got together, playing cards or just hanging out. Christmas Eve was always
so special at your house with all the cousins, grandparents and Aunts and Uncles together.
Even now each Christmas Eve I think about and miss us all being together.
Aunt Sue
Fritz and Donna Jones
Dear Sheryl,
We were saddened when we found out about the death of your Mother. It is very hard to lose one’s Mother, as we have both experienced that in past years.
We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Donna and Fritz Jones
Missy Downey
My grandmother Elaine Downey used to play cards with Loretta all the time. She treated me like I was her own. Such fond memories of her. I’m sorry to hear of her passing.