New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Hundreds pay respects to late alderman
ANSONIA — He may have grown up in Stratford, but he considered this city his home.
And for the last two days, hundreds of Naugatuck Valley residents and Sikorsky Aircraft retirees appeared first at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home and then at Holy Rosary Church to pay their final respects to Frank DeLibero, a civic leader and alderman.
DeLibero, a 60-year-old Sikorsky Aircraft retiree and 7th Ward alderman, died Feb. 12 following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
“If you knew Frank, then your life was richer,” said Mayor David Cassetti, a longtime friend. “In his seven years of fighting cancer I never once heard him complain.”
Since moving to the city in 2000, DeLibero volunteered his time as a coach for several recreational sports, including youth soccer and basketball, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He also served on the city’s School Building Committee, Board of Recreation and Board of Apportionment and Taxation before becoming an alderman. He also was involved with the Ansonia Rescue and Medical Services.
“Ansonia is a nice town,” DeLibero said upon becoming an alderman. “I’d like to be part of it, and
I’d like to get involved in trying to help people.”
All of these civic responsibilities and duties “stand at the heart of what it really means to be human,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Gubbiotti, who celebrated DeLibero’s funeral Mass on Tuesday.
John Sponheimer, a lawyer and Ansonia High football coach, called DeLibero “the perfect parent.”
“In my 47 years coaching Ansonia High football, he was as good a parent that you would ever meet,” said Sponheimer. “He was always so positive about the teams, the players and his kids.”
Sponheimer said he never saw DeLibero without a smile. “You
would never know he was suffering from such a terrible disease,” he said. “I feel privileged to call him a friend.”
Cassetti, the city’s first three-term Republican mayor, recalled how DeLibero campaigned with him on Hilltop doors despite his fragile health.
“On many occasions I heard Frank say, ‘Jesus Christ, mayor, will you slow down,’” Cassetti recalled. “I did slow down ... because I wanted Frank by my side.
... Any of us who were fortunate enough to know him knew it was a privilege to walk by his side. Anyone who knew Frank wanted him by their side and on their side . ... He taught us what strength, courage and fighting spirit meant.”
In his eulogy, Cassetti asked everyone in the church who knew DeLibero, were touched by his kindness and generosity and who cherished his friendship to stand. Everyone did.
“Frank, you have us all standing proud to have known you,” the mayor said. “You have filled this church with people who love you.”
DeLibero is survived by his wife, Tracy, a member of the city’s Board of Education and their twin 20year-old sons, Art and Frank.
Under the City Charter, Cassetti will nominate a replacement to the Board of Aldermen, which must vote on the nomination. Aldermen also are allowed to nominate individuals.