Lawrence Alfred Libonati

Lawrence Alfred Libonati, 84, of Lititz, and formerly of Manheim, died peacefully on Thursday July 20, 2017 at the United Zion Retirement Community. Born in West Hazleton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa Pecora Libonati. Larry was the loving husband of Joan Dalo Libonati and they observed their 58th wedding anniversary in July of this year. Larry spent his career in the plumbing and heating industry working with inside and outside sales. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Larry was an active and faithful member of St. James Catholic Church, Lititz serving as a greeter and usher; previously he was a member of the Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church in Hazleton. An outdoorsman, Larry enjoyed hunting and was a member of the P and L Gun Club. Larry had a life-long passion for his family; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Surviving in addition to his wife Joan, is a son Lawrence N. “Larry” Libonati of Columbia, fiancée of Jennifer Nicklaus of Mountville, two grandsons: L. Christopher “Chris” and Matthew Libonati, and two brothers: Joseph and Eugene Libonati both of West Hazleton. Preceding him in death are two sisters: Louise Pointiatowski, Concetta Rubin, and two brothers: Francis and Michael Libonati.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Larry’s Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Avenue, Lititz on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM with the Reverend James O’Blaney C.Ss.R as celebrant. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Interment will be private in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Larry’s memory to the United Zion Retirement Community Chapel, 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.


DAD'S EULOGY

I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for taking the time today to celebrate the life of the greatest man that I know.
There are people here today that know him as him Husband, Grandfather, and Brother. Others call him Brother-in-Law, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend. I have the honor and privilege of calling him Dad – and that’s the perspective that I’m going to speak from today.
There was nothing pretentious about him. Dad had no ego. He was humble, yet classy. He was patient and kind. He was fastidious about his appearance, to the point that he would not even take out the trash without combing his hair. He was a loyal and dedicated husband who loved to spend time with his family and friends. He especially loved his 2 grandsons, and was extremely proud of both of them. Dad was also a man of great faith spending time daily in prayer.
I had the pleasure of following him into plumbing and heating industry. Over the years I met many people that had done business with him and their comments were always the same. He was known for being honest and ethical, always professional, and was well respected by his co-workers, customers, and even his competition.
When I began to write this, I thought back to all that he taught me – the practical knowledge and the priceless life lessons. I’d like spend a couple of minutes and share some of those with you.
Dad was a very good plumber, and overall, a pretty handy guy, and I learned from him He was also a perfectionist – It did not matter if we were cutting the grass, piping a boiler or washing the cars. You golfers out there may have even mistaken our front lawn for a putting green! I have to admit that as a teenager, it was difficult for me to comprehend why it would take so long to complete a project, especially if I had a date or plans with friends. Later on in life, when he relaxed his standards a bit, he would ask me why a project was taking so long and I’d look at him and say “this is your fault, you created this monster” he’d just look back at me and smile – anyway I learned the meaning of the words of plumb, square, level, and straight, What I learned was to appreciate a job well done and to do everything to the best of my ability.
Dad loved to get up early, even on the weekends, We used to go to 6:45 mass every Sunday – that’s AM, by the way. He used to try to drag me out of bed at 7am on Saturday mornings as well. I was convinced he was putting me through some sort of military sleep deprivation training. He taught me that you don’t get anything accomplished laying in bed. What I learned is that time is fleeting, and our moments together are too precious to waste by sleeping them away.
Dad was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I could not wait to turn 12 so I could accompany him during deer season. He taught me how to shoot and hunt. What I learned was patience, an appreciation for gods creation,and that days afield with family and friends create a special bond and lasting memories. I also learned that some of the best conversations between a father and son can be had in the woods on a cold December day.
He taught me how to catch a football and throw a baseball, play Frisbee, and pitch horseshoes. In the winter we used to to play hockey in the living room – yeah, mom was thrilled about that…..
What I learned was that a father can’t spend too much time with his son.
He taught me that the measure of a man is not in the price tag or the material of his suit – it’s in the moral and ethical code that is woven into his character.
He taught me that it’s not about the type of car you drive – it’s about who you bring on the journey, and how you inspire and encourage them
That It’s not about amassing personal wealth – it’s about the gifts and treasures you can give to others alng the way
He taught me that A man’s does not find his identity in his job title, it’s in the love that he has for his family and friends
He taught me that a man’s legacy is not the houses he has built, but the home he has created.
Without him, I would not be the person, father, or the man I am today.