Birth date: Feb 24, 1970 Death date: Apr 17, 2013
Fr. Robert S. Liberty Jr. age 43 died suddenly on 4-17-2013. Born in Warren, Michigan on 2/24/1970 he was the son of the late Robert Sr. and late Kathalene Liberty. Loving brother of June (Irvin) Miller, Annette Zalucki and late D Read Obituary
Thinking about you today brother. I miss you.
I was listening to a podcast this morning while working on some homework and found myself thinking about Fr. Liberty. What a gift we had in this wonderful young man. He was one of my "inaugural priests" when I was baptized at Easter Vigil in 2006, and I always loved his enthusiasm for his vocation and his love of God. I have two memories of him that always make me smile --
First, watching him and Fr. Tomek Maka at my EV mass when it came time to light the Easter candle. Fr. Maka may as well have been 6'12 compared to Fr. Liberty's smaller frame. I remember seeing a playful exchange between them as Fr. Liberty was looking up at that tall candle looming very far above his head. Fr. Maka's face seem to ask, "Shall I get you a step stool?" and Fr. Liberty's quirked eyebrow answered, "Kneecaps..." I remember smiling to myself, thinking, "Brothers, lol."
A second memory -- going to visit Fr. Liberty at St. Jude's with Shrine's garden club. We were planting flowers on the grounds. It started to rain, a light and tolerable drizzle that suddenly erupted into a pretty ridiculous downpour. By that point, I was already soaked, so I just finished what I was doing before coming in. I remember Fr. Liberty seeing me come around the corner and asking if I needed to borrow a dry shirt. I politely declined, stating (without thinking), "Not unless you've also got a dry bra to go with it!"
Somewhere in a box, I have my Vigil candle from 2006. I can still hear his voice in my head, "Receive the Light of Christ," as he handed it to me. *sigh*
I miss you, Father. You left us far too soon.
One of the nicest people I knew! And had a dear sweet mother. I just found out ,so sad!
Today I was thinking of Fr. Liberty, out of the blue, as I occasionally do, and I decided to Google him. I am so sorry to hear the news of his passing, but I am sure he is in a much better place than we are now, and that is some comfort. I hope his family is doing OK, navigating life after such a loss. I made an appointment with Fr. Liberty at Shrine after being diagnosed with cancer, as a frightened young woman back in 2004. I spoke with him in his office for a little over an hour, but I felt such a tremendous weight lifted off of my shoulders after just that brief time. I'm tearing up as I write this, because I remember feeling so lost and hopeless and leaving in a much better state of mind, believing completely that I was in God's care, after a period of extreme doubt after my diagnosis. Reading the comments below just reinforces to me what an absolute treasure he was to anyone who had the good fortune to meet him. It was so clear that he was full of the Lord, you could see it in his eyes, hear it in his sermons... What a tremendous loss for this world. Rest in peace, Fr. Liberty, and rest knowing that you made this world better for a lot of people, including myself.
It's been a year now that Father Robert has gone home. Each and everyday he comes to mind. I pray some how he will know how deeply he helped me through a very dark and difficult time in my life. My heart still aches for the loss. I want just one more hug.
"To touch another human soul, is to walk on Holy ground" I look forward to the day we meet again. So many of us needed him still. However God had a different plan. One day..I'll see him again and his beautiful smile!
May Fr. Robert S. Liberty RIP, the Heavenly Father above yearns to make right what he originally purposed in the Garden of Eden. Why should we have to perish and endure the grief and pain of death, when life is a Gift from God, a God of Love? Psalms 115:16; Matthew 6:9,10; Psalms 83:18; John 5:28,29
My dad passed away in January of 2005 and his funeral mass was at St. Blase in Sterling Heights. St. Blase was my childhood parish but Shrine was now my home. I can't describe what a huge comfort it was to me and my family during that difficult day when Fr. Robert showed up, much to my surprise, to concelebrate with the pastor of St. Blase.
Because Fr. Robert, my spiritual father, was with me during the mass for my earthly father, he will always hold a special place in my heart.
Father Liberty was a true inspiration. He came to Shrine when my son, Chaz, was in high school. He had such a humble, kind personality with a wonderful sense of humor. He was so personable with everyone, young and old. He made everyone feel welcome and special! My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. His warm spirit and sunny smile will live on forever! Rest in peace!
I was on vacation when Bobby passed and am truly sorry I was not able to visit or send flowers . I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss. Annette, I wish I could be there for you.
Kendra McMillan nee Bell
