Loretta E. (Marcantonio) Held, 90, of Zieglerville, formerly of Richboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at her residence with her family by her side. Survived by her loving husband, Robert S. Held, they looked forward to celebrating their 65th
wedding anniversary on November 14.
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Palmer and Laura (Kozarski) Marcantonio and stepdaughter of the late Mary (Malizzia) Marcantonio.
Initially a secretary, then a homemaker, and once again a secretary, her career began at Tradesmens Land Title Bank in Philadelphia. She subsequently spent 15 years raising her family and then returned to the finance industry, first in accounting and then real estate, until her retirement in 1995.
Throughout her life, Loretta loved reading, movies, and Frank Sinatra. She especially loved visiting libraries wherever she lived. One of her biggest thrills was meeting then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy on the campaign trail, and she was always eager to share that “he smiled at me!” Her favorite sports players were Joe DiMaggio and Allen Iverson.
Loretta was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a Girl Scout Leader for her daughter’s Brownie Troop, took the trip of a lifetime to England with her daughters and was enamored by the castles and history in London, and made beautiful scrapbooks for all her grandchildren upon their high school graduation.
Surviving along with her husband are her daughters Laura McKelvey, wife of Michael, Beth Bernabei, wife of Leo, and Amy Ogborn; grandchildren Rachael Vannerson, wife of Andrew, Meghan McKelvey, fiancée of Tyler Oswald, Leo and Matthew Bernabei, and Christopher and Lindsay Ogborn; great-grandson Max Vannerson; brother Palmer Marcantonio Jr., husband of the late Rita; and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loretta’s memory, mailed to:
Perkiomen Valley Library
ATTN: Aileen
290 Second Street
Schwenksville, PA 19473