Loretta L Kulakowski

Loretta L. Kulakowski (Porcaro), 95, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026. Born on August 31, 1930, in Canonsburg, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Florence Porcaro, who immigrated from Rosello, Italy. Loretta spent her entire life in the town she loved, where she was deeply devoted to her family and community. A graduate of Canonsburg High School, she was a lifelong member of St. Oscar Romero Parish. Throughout her working years, Loretta served as a supervisor at Federal Paper Board and also worked at Jeffrey’s Drug Store. She later purchased Rosner’s Dress Shop in Canonsburg, which she proudly owned and operated with her husband for several years.

On September 25, 1971, she married Steve Kulakowski, with whom she built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings, Carmen Porcaro (Sarah), Joseph Porcaro (Rose), and Pearl Carter (Gene). She is also preceded in death by her niece, Ramona Porcaro.

She is survived by her sisters, Rena Patrick (Edward) and Rose Marie Vidmar (John), along with many loving nieces and nephews—all of whom affectionately knew her as “Aunt Lo- Lo”—including Gloria Buckels (Kent), Robert Carter (Lori), Barbara Grego (Wally), Beckie Porcaro, Edward Patrick, Mark Vidmar (Pam), and Terry Carter (Tammy). She also leaves behind numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Loretta was deeply devoted to her parish and an active participant in countless church activities. She helped lead the effort of feeding her pierogies to hundreds of parishioners, assisted with fish fries and funeral lunches, organized bus trips, and directed the renowned parish bread program. She remained involved in these efforts nearly to the end. She will be fondly remembered for her generosity, her deep love of family, and her joyful spirit. Aunt Lo-Lo baked thousands of cookies for weddings and family gatherings, sharing her love in every batch. Her favorite saying, “I’m fine as wine and twice as divine,” perfectly captured her vibrant personality.

She was the beloved matriarch of her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. It is now our turn to carry her light into the world—though we all know she’ll still be watching and making sure we don’t screw it up. While our family has lost its matriarch, heaven has gained an angel—and, without question, someone already figuring out how things should really be run. If there’s a kitchen up there, she’s in it. If there’s a schedule, she’s fixing it. And if something’s out of order, it won’t be for long.

Though she rests in peace, her spirit remains hard at work in our hearts. And knowing Aunt Lo-Lo, heaven isn’t just peaceful, it’s louder, better organized, and running on a tight ship already.

After all, she hosted Fourth of July picnics for over 50 years because her house had the best seat in town, sitting closer to the fireworks than anyone else. She wouldn’t have had it any other way. We’re quite sure heaven just got that same front-row treatment. Heaven is now experiencing her energy, her love, and that unforgettable combination of a soft voice, calm demeanor, and a willingness to hear anyone out—before doing things the right way... her way.

Love ya, Lo.

Friends and family are welcome from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, Thursday, April 9th, at Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, where departing prayers will be recited at 10:40 a.m. Friday, April 10th. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Oscar Romero Parish, St. Patrick’s Church in Canonsburg. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com