Loretta Ann Paolucci

Loretta Ann Paolucci, 82, passed away on January 7, 2020. She was born on September 10, 1937 to Ralph and Margaret Gagliardi in Trinidad, Colorado. Raised in the coal mining community of Delagua she moved to Trinidad with her family at the age of 15 and graduated from high school there in 1955. She received her associate degree from Trinidad State Junior College two years later and secured her first teaching job in Cokedale. It was not until 1963 that she received her bachelor’s degree from Adams State College, attending school during her summer vacations. She continued her teaching career after moving to La Junta in 1962 until her retirement in 1993. For 31 years, she taught in La Junta Public Schools at Lincoln, West, Columbian and East Schools. In all, Loretta’s teaching career spanned more than 36 years, educating thousands of children.

Loretta was united in marriage to Tano Paolucci on May 9, 1959 in Trinidad, Colorado. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last May. Loretta is survived by her husband, Tano of the La Junta home; son, Chuck (Jane) Paolucci of Kansas City; daughter, Lorie (Dave) Galli of Pueblo; daughter, Shari (Kevin) Krueger of Brighton, and twin sons, Jeff (Kathleen) Paolucci of La Junta, and Mark (Cindy) Paolucci of Pueblo; thirteen grandchildren, Jennifer Witte, Christopher (Jackie) Paolucci, Bradley Galli, Mike Paolucci, Brittney Galli, Ryan Paolucci, Jay Paolucci, Brendan Krueger, Nathan Paolucci, Rachel Paolucci, Cian Krueger, Justin Paolucci, and Nicholas Paolucci; five great-grandchildren, Evan and Jaxson Witte, and Kyler, Owen and Evelyn Paolucci; her brother, Ralph Gagliardi of Trinidad and sister-in-law, Lucille Ozzello of Trinidad, also numerous nieces and nephews. Close family friends, Ron and Maryann Davis, also survive her and three godchildren, Melissa Davis, Pam Denahy, and Nicole Chronister. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beverly Sundfor, brother-in-law, Vic Sundfor; stepbrothers, Frank Gagliardi and John Ralph Gagliardi; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Violett Montera and brother-in-law, Bob Ozzello and sister-in-law, Jamie Sue Gagliardi and grandson in-law, Neil Witte.

Since her retirement in 1993, Loretta was very involved with her community. She was a member of Our Lady Guadalupe/St. Patrick Catholic Parish and very involved with the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Auction. She was a member of the Gloria Bells Bell Choir, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and Marian Coterie/Circle 1. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and PEO Chapter W. She was awarded the Sunshine Award in 2014.

Loretta was one that was often behind the scene in many activities, doing the tasks that make everything click and run smoothly. Never wanting any recognition and always going the extra mile to ensure everything was done properly.

Loretta enjoyed working around her home and spending time with her family either in La Junta or at the family cabin in Cuchara.

Funeral Services for Loretta will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Catholic Parish. Visitation will be on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Peacock Memorial Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary service.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to a charity of your choice or to the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Auction through the Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish in honor of Loretta.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home and Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.