Rev. Angelo J. Libera

August 25, 2010

Rev. Angelo J. Libera, 81, of Solvay, passed away Wednesday at Crouse Hospital. Born in Solvay to Giuseppe and Cattarina Libera in 1929, he was a graduate of Solvay High School, attended St. Bernard’s Seminary and was ordained in 1957. Father Libera served as assistant pastor at St. John the Baptist Church, of Rome, NY from 1957 until entering the US Navy in 1963. During his tour, Chaplain Libera was transferred to the first of what would be many Marine Commands-the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa, Japan; the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Vietnam; the 2nd Marine Division with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, and later the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines; the 2nd Field Artillery Group at Camp Lejeune, NC; the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, SC; returned overseas to Okinawa; and the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. After a Naval assignment at the Coast Guard Academy in Conn., Chaplain Libera returned to the Marines one final time in 1987 where he was assigned to his final tour of active service. Returning as the Command Chaplain, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune in October 1989. Since retiring from the US Navy in 1989, Father Libera has served many Parishes for the Diocese of Syracuse. He was a member of the Geddes Veterans Association, the Stanley Pennock VFW Post 2893 and the Tyrol Club of Solvay.

He is survived by his brother; Victor (Helen) Libera, of Geddes, 1 niece; Cathy (David) Garwood, 3 nephews; Joseph (Patricia) Libera, John Libera and Peter (Ann) Libera, a cousin; Frank Libera, and many grand nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday August 30th at 10 am in St. Cecilia’s Church, Solvay. Burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse. Calling hours are from 2 to 5 pm Sunday August 29th at the church, 1001 Woods Rd., Solvay, with a priest vigil following at 5 pm.

BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay has care of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bagozzitwins.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Cecilia’s Preservation Fund, 1001 Woods Rd., Solvay, NY 13209.