Loretta Jane Cichon

Loretta Jane Cichon

True to one of her favorite sayings Loretta Jane Cichon has “Turned the page and got on with it.” Loretta passed away Thursday October 13, 2022, at her home as many family members and friends visited with her in her last days.

She was born in Youngstown, OH on Earle Avenue to Joseph and Mary A. (Passella) Vitullo on November 22, 1926. Loretta grew up with a large, loving, Italian family. She attended Delason Elementary, Princeton Junior High, and graduated from South High School in the early class of 1944. She went on to graduate from Nursing School at Youngstown Hospital in 1948 while being a member of the Cadet Corp from 1945 to 1948. Loretta started her 50-year nursing career working 25 years at various nursing positions, including floor nurse, surgery nurse, supervisor, and cast room nurse at North Side and South Side Hospitals. She retired after another 25 years as Head Nurse from Youngstown Orthopedic Associates in 1998 at the age of 71-1/2.

Loretta married Frank (Kayo) Cichon on Aug 14,1948 at St. Brendan’s Church marrying into a large Polish family. Shortly after, Frank joined The Youngstown Police department. Frank and Loretta moved into their home on Florida Avenue in 1953. Loretta soon became the “Neighborhood Nurse" and their front porch was a popular gathering place. Frank tragically died in the line of duty on December 21, 1963 leaving Loretta widowed at 37 years of age with three young children.

Nursing was Loretta's passion and she exhibited a strong work ethic as she mentored many and always put the patient first. She was happiest at large gatherings surrounded by family and an abundance of delicious food. She was a fabulous cook and baker and many of her baked goods, especially her Texas sheet cake, came with a small corner missing noting that it was the "baker’s taste test." She enjoyed making pierogis at St. Paul’s, meeting her high school classmates for lunch, and attending Catholic Nurses meetings. The most important event on her calendar was the Annual Fallen Officers Memorial held in May. Being a dog lover especially for her Bostons, having a quick sense of humor that at times may have been inappropriate, and with a bright mind and varied interests, Loretta was an inspiration to her family and friends. She also loved to FaceTime with her grand and great-grandchildren.

Loretta leaves to cherish her memory her children, Mary Josephine (Ron) Biroschak of Poland, Frank (Jackie) Cichon of West Lafayette, and Thomas (MaryAnn) Cichon of Boardman; ten grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Loretta was preceded in death by her brothers, Angelo, Arthur, Joseph, Robert; and her sister Genevieve.

Loretta’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful caring staff at Windsor Estates Assisted Living in New Middletown, especially her “P.I.T.A.S” (Love You), and Tradition’s Hospice.

In accordance with Loretta’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral services. Burial will be held privately by the family.

Donations may be made in Loretta’s name to Fallen Officers Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 41, Mahoning County Deputies, P.O. Box 805, Youngstown, OH 44503,   or the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, 2805 Salts Spring Rd., Youngstown, OH 44509.

Arrangements are by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.