Madeline T

Liberatore

Madeline Theresa Liberatore (nee Coccaro), 101, of Leonia and Belmar, NJ passed away on Sunday September 9, 2019 at her home in Leonia. Born, February 13, 1918 and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Madeline grew up as the eldest of 6 children born to Frank and Philomena Coccaro. She is predeceased by her parents and 4 of her siblings; Louis J Coccaro, Anna Barella, Robert Coccaro and Frank Coccaro. She is survived by her sister, Frances Sbrocco, who exclaimed, "I won" as she learned of her sisters passing.

A graduate of Lincoln HS in Jersey City where she met and eventually formed the greatest club ever, "The Jolly Jills." 10 friends from high school who stayed close and met every other Tuesday since 10th grade until the 1980's. They had their own table at all celebrations; weddings, anniversaries, graduations...they were a travelling party and embodied the true meaning of "Best Friends Forever."

She is also predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Ernest Liberatore, Sr. Together they made one stunning couple from the early days in Jersey City, to the war years stationed in San Antonio, TX where Ernest was a Sargent Major in the Army in charge of the German POW's. Madeline's cooking, (passed down from her mother) was one of the reasons that at the wars end, the released prisoners asked to stay in the US. After the war, the couple resided in Jersey City until the call of the suburbs brought them to Leonia in 1966. By then, 3 children in tow, they embarked on a wonderful life among the transplanted city-folk and artists that Leonia was known for. It makes perfect sense that 2 of their 3 children ended up in the arts.

Madeline was a proud member of St John's Church and was the longest serving President of the Leonia Women's Club. Frequently winning awards for recruiting the most new members and fondly remembered for jettisoning the Styrofoam cups in favor of the beautiful silver tea service and china at their functions and meetings.

She had many interests from swimming to the theatre to the NY Yankees, and in addition to being a homemaker, held jobs from factory work to accountant as well as Catechism teacher.

Most important of all, she was mother to 3 wonderful children who survive her; Ernest, Jr, Giselle and Louis…as well as granddaughter, JoAnna Cefaratti, husband Frank and grandson Joseph…and last but certainly not least, her great-grandson Luca Cefaratti. Additionally, Louis' partner of 18 years, Steve Albert and boyfriend Christopher Scott, plus, countless loving family, friends, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, whom she all adored! (and she had her favorites, you know who you are…)

Join us in celebrating her life at A.K. Macagna Funeral Home, 495 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ, on Thursday September 12, 2019 from 3-9pm

A Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 13, 2019, 10am, at St John's the Evangelist Church, Broad Ave, Leonia NJ followed by internment at the Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to;

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

165 W46th St #1300

New York, NY 10036