Obituary: Joseph Daniel Liberatore, 73, Of Norwalk

Information via Collins Funeral Home

Kind, generous, and the epitome of a gentleman, Joseph Daniel Liberatore, 73, was born on June 1, 1950, and passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023. Joe was surrounded by close friends and family during the last months of his life.

Joe attended Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk where he became a 3-letter varsity athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. During his senior year in 1968 Joe was named Male Athlete of the Year. His athletic achievements continued at the University of New Haven where he excelled as a shortstop.

After college Joe was a softball enthusiast and played for multiple teams over the years, most notably the Norwalk Aces. Joe became a basketball referee in 1972 when he joined the International Association of Basketball Officials. He demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and a true passion for the game. Joe became a pillar of the officiating community and a respected figure in the basketball officiating world holding true the value of fairness and sportsmanship. In 2007 he was honored and inducted into the Norwalk Old Timers Association for his athletic accomplishments.

At the time of his death, he was the owner of Joe Liberatore Trophies and Awards. Joe took great pleasure in being able to help athletes around Norwalk and the surrounding communities celebrate their achievements.

While passionate about athletics, his fondest joy was spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and grandfather "Papa." He loved to organize and attend family gatherings and was often the catalyst that brought people together.

Joe supported the entire family to help them achieve their own personal athletic journeys and made it a huge priority to attend all family sporting events and ceremonies. Joe made fond memories playing golf with his dear friends and loved playing at world renowned golf courses with his son, his favorite golf partner.

He is survived by his loving, devoted, and cherished high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Marilyn Petronella Liberatore. Joe also leaves behind his daughter Kelly Bishop (Jarrod), son Kevin Liberatore (Adriana), brother Paul Liberatore (Diana) sisters Holly Liberatore, Wendy Tarantino, mother-in-law Rosemarie Petronella and his four beloved grandchildren, Cole, Olivia, Leo, and Nico. Joe was predeceased by his mother Grace DeLallo Liberatore, father-in-law Robert Petronella, and brother-in-law Nick Tarantino.

A wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7th, at Collins Funeral Home in Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Carver Athletics and Recreation Charity in Joseph Liberatore’s name to support the children of Norwalk achieve their athletic goals: https://the-carver.org/athletics.