Anthony L Liberati

ANTHONY L. “TONY”  LIBERATI

   On the morning of Saturday, April 18^th, 2015, well-known Canton resident, Anthony L. Liberati passed away unexpectedly at his residence.  He was 89 years of age.   Born in Jersey Shore, Pa., on January 28^th, 1926, he was the son of Albert and Mary (Mancuso)  Liberati.   Known to family and friends as Tony, he devoted 14 years to the service of our country, serving in two  branches of the armed forces during two wars.  From 1944 to 1947 he served with the Naval Reserves, from 1949 to 1956 he served in the regular U. S. Navy and from 1956 to 1960 he served in the U. S. Air Force.  In the early 1960’s he met a girl from Roaring Branch named Barbara  (Dowling)  and on July 23^rd, 1966 they were married.  Together they raised two sons and two daughters and shared 47 years until Barbara’s passing in 2013.

     In civilian life Tony had been employed by the Pepsi Cola Co. and Wire Rope Co., both in Williamsport, as well as the former Swayze Folding Box Co.  and  the former Schrader-Bellows Air Valve Co., both in Canton.    However, Tony  chose to pursue an occupation that would make better use of his  skills as a “people person.”  He took a course in mixology and became a bartender, serving at Canton area taverns such as The Park Hotel,  The Lion’s Den, Outside Inn and Wheeler’s.  Eventually he became a restauranteur, owning and operating several Canton eating establishments such as The Chuck Wagon on Sullivan Street, Tony’s Pizza on Troy Street and Mick’s Place on Lycoming Street.  There, he mingled with his patrons, connecting with them one-on-one.  Tony was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather  who enjoyed the company of family and friends.

   Surviving are his sons, Scott Liberati (& Ann Wiley) of Mainesburg, Pa., Anthony Liberati , II  of Canton, daughters Lisa Liberati of Canton, Micky (& Mark) Spencer of Granville Summit, sister Ruth Thompson of Burlington, VT., grandchildren Michael Liberati of Mainesburg, Dustin (& Michelle) Pepper of Somers’ Point, NJ, Brandon Wilcox of Canton, Shantel Spencer and Marissa Spencer, both of Granville Summit,  great-grandchildren Emily and Dylan Liberati of FL, Landon & Laela Pepper of NJ, Lilly Wilcox of Canton and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, grandson Dylan Liberati, brother-in-law John Dowling, sisters Irene Keller and Phoebe Eddinger, brothers Alfred and Calvin Liberati and parents Albert and Mary Liberati.

Visitation will be 12 noon to 2 p..m. Saturday, April 25^th at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center Street,  Canton.  Service will follow at 2 o’clock with Pastor Jerry Schmidt officiating.  Interment will be in Beech Flats Cemetery.

(morseandkleesefuneralhomr.com)

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