John Liberatore

Passed into the arms of his savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 13, 2014. John was born in the Abruzzi region of Italy on January 16, 1924 where he spent his pre-teen years. In March of 1937, at the age of thirteen, he traveled across the Atlantic to New York where he attended public school and assisted with his family’s fruit and vegetable pushcart business in the Bronx, New York. He served with the 28th Divisions’ field artillery unit in Europe during WWII. John worked at various construction trades until eventually enlisting with the city of New York’s Carpenter’s Trade Union. Taking classes in architectural drafting and through many years of experience, he became a valuable asset to the companies that he worked with as a project foreman. He considered his proudest career accomplishments as being able to handle the completion of many projects, especially with making decisions required in overcoming the hurdles involved with change orders during the construction process. He was always available to help “swing a hammer’ for a variety of household projects requested by family and friends. He was a ‘handyman’ to have around. John’s special hobby was cultivating his garden that over the year’s brought a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables to the tables of neighbors, family and friends. He was always ready to pass on good tips and advice to anyone who asked questions about gardening. John’s other relaxation involved reading, watching old movies, solving puzzles, and especially stretching out in his lounge chair to take in the rays of the sun. Even in the cold of winter, he would settle for a sunny nap in his sunroom. Upon returning from the war, John soon married the love of his life, Theresa. Together, John and Theresa shared the love of hosting family and friends at their home, kitchen and backyard for great Italian feasts. And who could ever forget the 4th of July barbecues that brought everyone together to catch up with sharing the times of their lives and to laugh with and at each other. Retiring to the sunshine of Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986, John and Theresa became members of The Shrine of St. Bernadette. John shared communications and traveled to visit his extended family in Canada, Italy and Australia, but none more important than his New York family and especially his last trip to New York in September/October 2013 to visit with his sister, Rose and many of his loving nephews, nieces and their families. John was preceded in death by his parents, Orazio and Amalia, sister, Flora Monetti and brother, Joe. John lost the love of his life, Theresa in January 2013 after over 66 years of taking care of each other. Their devotion to each other, and their emphasis on a loving family, shines through in their children’s lives as well. He is survived by his sister, Rose Squillante of the Bronx, New York; sisters-in-law, Madelaine Meaney of Casa Grande, Arizona and Concetta Conti of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his children Art (Nancy) of Albuquerque, NM, Linda DeSimone (John) of Fairfax, Virginia, and Johnny (Sharon) of Rio Rancho, NM. In addition, John leaves behind his seven wonderful grandchildren (Rachel, Risha, Jennifer, Christopher, Laura, Katie and Sarah); four great-grandsons (Elijah, John, Sebastian, and Michael); and one great-granddaughter (Miriam). John’s family is expecting his second great-granddaughter in October. A Visitation for John will be Thursday, September 18, 2014, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary at FRENCH – Wyoming Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 19, 2014, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd NE. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE. John’s family would like to offer their sincerest thanks to the great staff at The Woodmark at Uptown for providing him with great friendship and care during the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, 901 Brother Mathias Place NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.