Loyal, committed, altruistic. According to his family, these were qualities held by Anthony “Tony” Rocco Liberto, who passed away on Aug. 30, 2017.
Team Rubicon first learned of Tony when a donation was made in his honor during our Hurricane Harvey response. For years, volunteers and staff have made a point to connect with those who make monetary gifts to support our mission, and last week, volunteer John Thompson was assigned to call Michele Sullivan. Michele is the daughter of Tony Liberto, and after his passing, she requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Team Rubicon at her father’s funeral.
Tony Liberto, 94, of Emerald Isle, NC, proudly served the United States Navy as a Gunner’s Mate aboard a WWII PT Boat in the South Pacific. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 for over 70 years, and was a lifelong member and treasurer of the American Legion Post in Bridgeport, CT.
Tony was passionate about serving others long after his time in the military. For example, every year on August 19, his birthday shared with his grandson Jay, Tony would throw a party with family and close friends. Instead of gifts, they requested cash which they would donate to different organizations changing the world. They deemed Team Rubicon worthy of their charitable giving after Jay heard about Team Rubicon through a professor at his Alma Matter, Duke University.
Even though Tony is no longer with us, his legacy of generosity continues through his children: Elaine Liberto, Michele Sullivan, Nicholas P. Liberto, and grandson, John Anthony “Jay” Sullivan.
Thank you to Tony’s family for sharing his story of service with Team Rubicon.
