Loretta Montalbano Hardy Dagro

Loretta Montalbano Hardy Dagro, of Independence, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on September 19, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Joseph Patrick Montalbano and the late Marie Tilda Heck Montalbano. Loretta was known for her determined spirit-she was very independent and always did things her way. Those who knew her will remember the straightforward way she would speak her mind. Loretta truly lived life with enthusiasm and zest, making memorable experiences wherever she went. One of her favorite pastimes was going to the casino, where she enjoyed the thrill and excitement of winning. She was a big fan of the Joe & Mo' Show, faithfully following them to any restaurant where they played. Loretta’s beautiful smile brought light into every room she entered and will be missed by all who knew her.

Loretta is survived by her children, Rafe Hardy, Jr., Toni Hardy Barlow (Stephen), and Staci Hardy Hill; step children, Joyce Hardy Macaluso, Joey Dagro (Robin), Christine Dagro Haney, Kathy Dagro Fluesmeier (Bruce), and Steve Dagro (Laurie); 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Calvin Montalbano (Nora) and Gerald Montalbano (Karen); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Rafe V. Hardy, Sr.; husband, Andrew Joseph Dagro; brothers, Joseph, Theodore "Ted," George, and Anthony "A.J." Montalbano, and John and Charles Cerniglia; and son-in-law, Wayne Macaluso.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 14450 Hwy 442, Tickfaw, Louisiana 70466 on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 am, with Fr. Michael Galea officiating.

Entombment will follow at Pompeii Cemetery in Tickfaw, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loretta's memory to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org; or to St. Joseph Hospice at www.stjosephhospicefoundation.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.