Loretta Petta Manning

Loretta Manning, 92, of Frederick, Maryland, passed from this life on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Country Meadows in Frederick, MD.

Born on July 8, 1931 in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of the late John Thomas Petta and Anna (Terry) Petta.

An alumna of North Syracuse High School, Loretta was valedictorian, president of her class, and voted most likely to succeed.  She continued her education later in life at Elmira College, Elmira, NY and resided in Montour Falls, NY until moving full time to Fort Myers, Florida in 2005. 

Before retiring, Loretta worked as Odessa-Montour Central School’s District Treasurer for many years. Prior to that she worked as the Assistant to the President of Corning Community College and the Bursar of Lakemont Academy. She served on the Odessa-Montour School Board of Education, the School Board Association for Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga Counties, the Board of Directors of the Chemung County School Districts Federal Credit Union, the Ann Page Federal Credit Union, and held the position of President of the Schuyler County Democratic Women. She also managed the family construction company after the death of her husband, Richard Manning. 

She is survived by her son Anthony R. Manning (Margaret), her granddaughtersAshley Urban (Stephen), Leigh Margaret Manning (Inwook), Jordan Manning (John), Mattalin Zetts (Adam), her great-grandsons Ian Jamison, Hugo and Elam Hwang, and Micah Zetts, her stepdaughter Sherry Manning Champagne (Norm), her step-sons William Chapman and Richard Chapman, her step-grandsons Alexander Chapman, Brendon Chapman, Brandon Chapman, Kevin Chapman, and their children, her sister-in-law Judy Gray, and her four special step-nieces. 

She was predeceased by her husband William R. Chapman, her first husband Richard W. Manning, her brother Thomas Petta, her stepson Dick Manning, and her stepdaughter Vivian Leigh “Mimi” Manning Perry. 

Because of her father’s Naval service during WWII, Loretta was a member of the American Legion in Fort Myers, Florida and was recognized for her abundant contributions of many years, including hand-knitted hats and scarves for active-duty servicemen. Loretta’s favorite pastimes included collecting antiques, playing bridge, visiting Disney World, cheering for Syracuse University sports teams, and enjoying her most cherished role - that of a beloved “Grammy.” 

 A celebration of Loretta's life journey will take place on February 24, 2024 at 11:00AM, at The Clubhouse at Brengle Manor 1025 Holden Road in Frederick, MD with interment at a later date at Hope Cemetery in Corning, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.