Obituary of Anthony Rocco Liberto

Anthony "Tony" Rocco Liberto, 94, of Fairfield, loving father and grandfather went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 30 in his daughter's home on Emerald Isle, NC. Tony was born in Bridgeport, CT on August 19, 1923 to the late Nicholas Liberto and Flavia DeSimone Liberto of Bridgeport, CT. He married his sweetheart, Gloria Santolupo, in 1947 after returning from World War II and lived most of his life in Fairfield, CT. He recently moved to North Carolina to live with his daughter and her family. He proudly served the United States Navy as a Gunnery Mate aboard a World War II PT Boat, as part of the 7th Fleet in the South Pacific. He was a lifelong member and treasurer of the American Legion Grasso-Seavy Post 167 in Bridgeport, CT, a member of the PT Boaters' Association, and an ardent supporter of many local and National Veteran activities. Tony was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 (Hamden, CT) for over 71 years serving at times as a union steward and once retired, attending many union meetings and events. He worked on many construction projects (i.e. Fairfield Prep/University, University of Bridgeport, Gold Star Bridge, Stamford Center, Park City Hospital, the recovery at L'Ambiance Plaza) as a heavy equipment and crane operator for various companies, such as E & F, Daddario, Zandenella, F.D. Rich, and McClinch Crane Co. Tony also worked part time every evening from the 1960's through the 1970's at the University of Bridgeport Student Center recreational desk where he met many students while he managed the bowling alleys and billiard hall and attended numerous social events with his wife as chaperones. Tony also provided and drove floats for several UB fraternities during Homecoming celebrations and for the Bridgeport Barnum Festival Parades. He was a devoted life-long parishioner, usher, and member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Fairfield, CT, where he volunteered in the rectory and managed the food tent during September-Fest celebrations in his prime. He loved nothing more than dinners on Sunday nights or holidays with his beloved family. He shared a birthday with his grandson, Jay, for 23 years and enjoyed watching him grow up in Fairfield, eventually seeing him graduate from Duke University last year. A talented bowler, Tony was also an avid fan of the UConn women's basketball team, the New York Yankees, and New York Mets and never missed a game on TV. Tony is survived by his daughter Elaine F. Liberto of Milford, CT; his son Nicholas P. Liberto and his wife Nancy of Bridgeport, CT; and his daughter Michele Sullivan and her husband John, and his grandson John Anthony "Jay" Sullivan formerly of Fairfield, CT, now living in Emerald Isle, NC. In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his wife of 54 years Gloria Liberto, and several cousins in the DeSimone and Liberto families. Family and friends may call on Friday, September 8, 2017 from 4 - 8 P.M. at the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 9;15 a.m. in the funeral home and 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT with interment at Lawncroft Cemetery 1740 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield. Donations may be made in honor of Tony to Team Rubicon, Inc., a veteran's group that assists during natural disasters currently working in the Houston area, 6171 Century Blvd, LA, CA 90045, or PT Boats Inc., PO Box 38070, Germantown, TN 38183. For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com