All who knew Eugene Liberatore would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was outgoing, kindhearted, and generous with a personality that drew others near with ease. Gene was all about family, and there was nothing like Christmas at Gene’s house. He was never one to focus on what he had, rather, his world was centered on what he could do for others in ways both great and small. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Gene will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to be within his reach.During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were serving during WWII throughout much of Europe and the Pacific. The United States and our allies were victorious in 1945, and as those in the military returned stateside, the baby boom was underway. Along with the baby boom came an explosion in the housing market as people needed homes in which to raise their growing family. It was during this bustling time when American was making the shift to being a nation at peace once again that Eugene R. and Caroline L. (Witterman) Liberatore were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the new year dawned in 1949 in the city of Rochester, Pennsylvania. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Eugene drew his first breath. He was one of two children in his family and was raised in the family home that his parents built in Center Township alongside his sister, Marla, to whom he was very close throughout his entire life. In fact, she was known as his “most wonderful and only sister.”In many ways, Gene was a young boy of his generation. In an attempt to make him more well-rounded, his parents paid for accordion lessons on Friday evenings when he was younger. Gene’s sister found this ordeal to be quite comical and was known to make fun of his practice time, which created the need for her to be sent to her room during his practicing. Maybe she wasn’t so far off base since his playing was so bad that the neighbor’s dog often howled whenever he practiced! Gene was a student at local schools including Center Area High School. He was a member of the school’s second graduating class in 1966.After high school, Gene continued his education at Duquesne University. From there he earned his master’s degree at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and later went on to St. Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh. With his education behind him, Gene served in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for ten years.Ready for a change, Gene then pursued other employment opportunities. He spent some time managing his parents lounge, LNL Lounge, and Gene later owned Graystone, a local tavern and restaurant, which were both located in Monaca. In addition, he managed several Pittsburgh restaurants and taverns and had currently been managing the CVS Pharmacy in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.Throughout his life Gene always put others first including his family, his neighbors, and his friends. His home was always the place for family gatherings, and Christmas was such a special time since his fantastic cooking skills were showcased in his amazing spaghetti every year. Gene was excellent at both cooking and baking, and with roots that were both German and Italian, his dishes and treats were almost always heavily influenced by these cultures. He had numerous secret family recipes, which he preferred not to share that were passed down from his grandparents and parents. On one occasion, Gene and his sister, along with their cousin, accompanied his grandmother on a trip back to her homeland in Germany.Gene was always busy doing something he loved in his free time. As his family and friends can attest, he was a die hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan if ever there was one. Gene was the proud owner of the much sought after season tickets, and he was able to attend several Super Bowls with his father, uncles, cousins, and close family members through the years. He also had an extensive collection of Steelers memorabilia in addition to his collection of Saint Nicholas collectibles and several Santa figurines. Within his community, Gene was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, the S.O.I., and a social member of American Legion Post 580.A longtime member of the community he loved, Eugene Liberatore was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was fun-loving, outgoing, and spirited with a zest for life that was contagious. Gene was ever mindful of others first and foremost, and he loved sharing his gifts and talents with everyone around him. Deeply loved, Gene will be forever missed.Eugene Liberatore died on May 7, 2015. Gene’s family includes his sister, Marla Liberatore of Center Township; cousins, Arnold J. (Linda) Liberatore of Monaca and their children, Mark (Jennifer) Liberatore and their family, Tracy (Brad) Shields and their family, Robert (Joan) Liberatore, of Monaca, Michael Liberatore of Monaca, and Lori (Kevin) Smith, of Center Township and their daughter, Cara, whom he considered as brothers and sisters; aunts and uncles, Jack Liberatore, Josephine Clayton, Neva Clark, Leah (Walt) Hoffmeier and Fred (Bette) Liberatore; and many other cousins as well as two special families, the Carrozza and Biondi families, whom he thought of as his family. Friends will be received Monday from 2-8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca, where parting prayers will be offered Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.