Michael James Liberta Jr., 84, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025. He was the loving husband of Theresa “Teri” (Bergandi) Liberta.
Michael was born on August 18, 1940 in LaSalle, IL; a son of the late Theresa (Ferrari) and Michael Liberta Sr. Mike was in the ROTC at the University of Illinois graduating as a Second Lieutenant with his Bachelor's Degree in both Accounting and Marketing.
Major Michael Liberta was an 11 year veteran serving in Vietnam. He spent his military service in Washington State, Virginia, Berlin, Vietnam, West Point and Turkey. He was honorably discharged for medical reasons from his Army service in 1974 with numerous medals; Bronze Star Oak Leaf Cluster and Army Commendation Oak Leaf Cluster for service in combat as well as Army of Occupation Medal, National Defence Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal.
Michael started working with Union Carbide in Wallingford as an accountant in 1974 and was promoted to Plant Manager. In 1979, Mike and Teri decided to move their family to Ridgefield, Connecticut and became the proprietors of Liberta's Spirit Shoppe in 1980 for 32 years. This became an institution on Main Street. He loved his town and community and being a part of it. His spirit will forever light up Ridgefield Main Street.
Mike was a leader in Ridgefield from the day he moved there. He was a Scoutmaster for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, President of the Ridgefield High School Touchdown Club, and Member of the American Legion Post 78. He spent over 25 years of admirable service with the Salvation Army. Michael was one of the founding members of Downtown Ridgefield and held the position of treasurer for many years. Mike led his life as a man of service, he personified volunteerism throughout his life. His greatest representation of this was his 50 years of Service with Lions Club International. He led the local club as president for several terms as well as treasurer. He has received The Ambassador of Sight, The Melvin Jones Fellow Award and Knight of the Blind during his decades of service with the club. Michael was also very involved with Lions Low Vision of Connecticut. He served as president as well as trustee for several terms. He has touched so many people young and old as a leader in the community through his efforts to make this world a better place!
In his spare time Mike was an avid Yankees fan, loved blowing leaves in his yard, working in the garden, doing puzzles and watching his favorite TV programs. He was a parishioner of Saint Mary’s Church for over 45 years.
Family was Mike’s Love and Legacy. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Teri, as well as their three children: Doug Liberta and his wife, Patti; Steven Liberta and his wife, Laura; and Kim Liberta and her partner, Joe Kerner. Michael is also survived by his grandchildren: Daniel, Christopher, Rebecca and Elizabeth Liberta; Jack and Katherine Liberta, and Lucynda Robinson as well as his sister, Pamela Hanson and her husband, Chuck, as well as several Nieces, Nephews and Great-Nieces and Nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Entombment with US Army Funeral Honors will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in Mr. Liberta's memory may be made to the Lions Low Vision Center - 23 Barnabas Road Suite 212; Hawleyville, CT 06440, or online at https://www.lionslowvisioncenters.org/.