Developer, UF Gator and political leader

LAKELAND — Former state representative, county commissioner, real estate developer and University of Florida quarterback Larry Libertore died Monday at age 78 after a brief illness.

Libertore had retired from real estate but continued to serve as an adviser for the Libertore Fund for Children, a family nonprofit, said his sister Lana Jean Swartzwelder, chief executive officer.

In 2005, he was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame. He had been a star quarterback, safety and punt returner from 1960 through 1962.

“Larry and I went to school at the University of Florida together. We’ve been friends since 1960,” said Don Stephens, of Lakeland. As quarterback of the UF football team, he was Mr. No. 1, back then, Stephens said.

“They called him Lil’ Lightning. He was quick and fast, the most competitive guy I have ever known,” Stephens said. “He was a great guy, a very dear to me for a long time.”

Joe P. Ruthven, who is also a real estate developer in Lakeland, described Libertore “as a very successful gentleman, an outstanding player.”

Libertore was born in Ohio, moved to Miami with his family and attended Miami Edison High School, where he was recognized with All City, All State and All American awards. At UF, he was named Most Valuable Player at the Gator Bowl, was on the SEC All Scholastic Team.

He moved to 1963.

In 1970 he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving four years.

In 1974, he founded his own real estate firm, Larry Libertore Inc.

He served on the County Commission 1984 until 1992.

His widow, Mary Libertore, said survivors include his son Larry Libertore III, his daughters Lisa Libertore and Christy Libertore, a stepson Nathanael Snell, and two step-grandsons. friend Lakeland in Polk from