Michael A. LiButti
February 20, 1926 ~ October 20, 2024
Michael A. LiButti
With great sadness we announce the passing of Michael on Sunday, October 20, 2024, 4 months shy of his 99th birthday. Michael is predeceased by Olga, his beloved wife of 48 years, his parents, Camillo and Antoinette, in-laws Dominic and Julia D’Agostino, sisters Anne (Peter) Spinelli, Josephine Scrafano, brothers Alfred (WWII), George and son-in-law, Greg Masceri, and many brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law.
Michael is survived by his children, Alfred LiButti, Michelle Masceri, Michael (Laura) LiButti, Joseph (April) LiButti, Mark (Phyllis) LiButti, Andrew (Peggy) LiButti, his 13 grandchildren, Gina (Mike) Collura, Anthony Masceri, Greg Jr (Lynn) Masceri, Laura (Lou) Gatto, Cameron (Lauren) LiButti, Joey (Brittney) LiButti, Marlee (Dayvid) Jablonsky-LiButti, Nicole (Josh) Judkins, Katie (Jason) LiButti, Chris LiButti, Alexandra (Justin) LiButti, Lindsey & Dominic LiButti. 20 great-grandchildren: Yianni, Greg, Elijah Diakomihalis & Micah Collura, Mason, Maya & Malayna Masceri, Gianna& Tessa Masceri, Angelina, Mila & Cecilia Gatto, Cade & Logan LiButti, Matilda & Winefred LiButti, Ryker& Oakley Judkins, Eve and Grace Jablonsky-LiButti. In-laws, Sally LiButti, Theresa McCorry, Rita Roides, Donna (Bob) Casper, Dominic (Karen) D’Agostino & many nieces and nephews.
Michael was born on February 20,1926 on Lime Street where he attended #9 Elementary School and Madison High School. It was there where he made lifelong friendships that lasted till all of his friends passed on. It was also there, where he met the love of his life Olga D’Agostino. They started a family in 1954 which continued growing for the next 10 years with 6 children.
Michael worked at Ritter’s on West Ave for 37 years and then another 5 years at Eastman Kodak before retiring in 1991. Michael was an avid bowler for many years and bowled every Wednesday night with his Ritter co-workers through the 70’s. In 1968, Michael and Olga moved the family to 380 Electric Ave in the 10th Ward where they raised all 6 kids till they all graduated high school & college.
Upon Olga’s passing in 2002, Michael lived with his only daughter, Michelle, and her husband, Greg, for almost 20 years, where a special bond was formed over their mutual love of the NY YANKEES. Michael also kept himself fit and in shape by his daily walks through The Mall at Greece Ridge and calisthenics. He took some amazing trips with family to Italy, Florida and North Carolina. But his favorite trips were to see Andy’s Booty’s Restaurants in Arizona. And of course the National Chicken Wing Festival to cheer Andy & Peggy to all their successes.
On any given Sunday, upon entering Shelly’s home filled with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the aroma of Italian Foods like Pasta Fagioli, Meatballs, Sausage and enormous pots of “Poppy’s” favorite Pasta & Sauce would greet your senses, followed by a warm conversation with Dad and Greg and don’t forget his favorite desserts!
Poppy never forgot his great-grandchildren’s birthdays. Even the ones who lived out of town, always signing the cards “Poppy & Grandma,” long after she passed away. He would always ask ” how is everyone doing” or “what’s new?” He was always supportive and present at his grandkids soccer games, football games, dance recitals, you name it… he was always there! He would get up at 4am to watch the wrestlers’ international matches. He was so proud of the many accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Michael was mostly quiet and reserved but he always commanded your attention with an almost larger than life patriarchal presence. He continued bowling after retirement, had a great sense of humor and was a master joke teller. He had lifelong friends, especially Sam, Ralph, Mike and Matty.
Michael was a fantastic dancer and Sam got him to start going out dancing every Friday night, first at Bosdyks, and then at Valicia’s Ristorante where he continued dancing well into his 90s. The women would line up to dance with him and he would dance with all of them.
Michael set an example for all of his children as to how to go on after your soulmate passes away. He missed his Wife and he brought flowers to her grave every Friday for years. While he was still driving, he would pick up his oldest, Fred every week and take him to dinner and a movie. The rest of the kids would occasionally meet them for their weekly tradition.
Michael enjoyed nothing more than being with family and friends and he passed that on to each of his children. We will carry his example in our hearts forever and hopefully pass it on to our kids as well. He was the richest man in the world because he understood that true wealth comes from a life well lived, surrounded by family and friends. Michael will be cherished by his family forever with the loving memories, life lessons and example he set for all of us.
Michael’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30 am on Monday, October 28th at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 North Greece Road. Interment will be at Holy Ghost Cemetery immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to a hospice facility of your choice.