Angelo Diliberti

Angelo Di Liberti was born in Dunkirk, New York, to Anthony and Margaret (Bianca) Di Liberti. He always referred to himself as American, not Italian-American. His childhood was spent in Buffalo, New York. After high school, he enlisted in the Army. His unit was preparing for the invasion of Japan when WWII ended. He often said that Harry Truman was his best friend.

He married Barbara Gurney in 1953. They moved to Abilene, Kansas where he worked for the Department of the Army and joined the Army Reserve. He completed the Basic Infantry Officer course at Ft. Benning GA in 1956 and the Command and General Staff Officer course in 1967. A high point in his career was serving as an aide to Senator Darby and General Omar Bradley during the funeral for former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He retired from the Reserve as a Lt. Colonel in 1983.

While in Abilene, he also worked as the Dickinson County Civil Defense Director. The family has fond memories of shelter drills with c-rations and crackers. The family moved to Illinois in 1971. He worked for the 82nd Airborne and completed jump school at the age of 46, the oldest person to do so at that time. He continued to jump well into his 80s. One of his proudest moments was a group jump with some of his daughters and grandchildren.

After retirement, he opened a private detective agency, a lifelong dream. He became quite active in various veterans’ organizations, including American Legion Post 342 St. Charles, where he was a past commander; VFW Post 5036 St. Charles; Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO); a former president of the Canadian Air Forces Association (CAFA). He founded AMVETS Post 503 St. Charles. Many of the friendships that he made here lasted until his death. As his health declined, he received immeasurable support from these friends.

He loved to travel, especially driving. He drove all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. The family made annual treks to Buffalo; nine people crammed into a sedan with a squeaky Styrofoam cooler. Most of these trips were before the interstate system. He tried to find new ways to get to Buffalo. There weren’t many. Angelo and Barbara shared a passion for history and stopped at every historical marker on the side of the road. He was enthralled by Niagara Falls. Every trip to Buffalo involved 2 stops at the Falls: coming and going.

He went to Europe several times. A high point of his travels was a trip to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

He was a gifted storyteller. Although many of the stories of his exploits were apocryphal, they were always entertaining. He could always be counted on to fill in details of any incident or era under discussion.

He loved holidays, especially Christmas and the Fourth of July.

He was a lifelong, practicing Catholic, often serving as an usher in his parishes.

Both parents encouraged higher education for their daughters. There were many nights when he drove an hour, after working all day, to attend classes, usually with an eye to forwarding his military career.

He left a legacy of patriotism, respect for the military, love of history, and love of travel.

He is survived by daughters: Victoria Maxwell, Barbara Di Liberti, Susan Collins, Mary Di Liberti, Margaret (Andy) Goodman, Charity Di Liberti, Julia di Liberti; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; a sister Josephine Di Liberti of Buffalo; several cousins. Predeceased by his parents and his brother John.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to American Legion Post 342 in St. Charles, IL; Boys Town or St. Joseph Indian School.

The funeral will be held on Monday May 12, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in St. Charles IL.

Visitation from 10-11 in the chapel with Mass at 11 a.m.

Graveside service 10am Friday, May 16 at Forest Lawn Cemetery (meet at Delaware and Delavan gates). Condolences may be made on this page.