Joe Dilibert

Joseph Dilibert (1928- 2018)

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Alexander Dilibert announces his passing after a brief illness, on May 30, 2018 at the age of 89 years. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Elizabeth (Liz) and his children, Frank Di Liberto (Maria), Tom Di Liberto (Abby Lane), Patricia Banuilos (Greg), John Dilibert (Patty), and Christine Taylor(Jeff). Grandpa Joe will also be fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren, Lorna, Megan, Angelo, Chris, Joey, Matthew and Abby. He has two great-grand children, Oliver and Everett.

Joe Dilibert was born on November 17, 1928 in Chicago. In 1947 he and his parents, Josephine Gercone (Giacone) and Angelo moved out to the Los Angeles area, settling in Eagle Rock.  Joe attended USC until he entered the Navy in 1951 and served until 1955. During his service in the Korean War, he was stationed at the Naval Air Facility on the island of Adak, Alaska. There he kept the military personnel entertained as the station disc jockey “Jumping Joe,” spinning the latest records and making news announcements.

After his Naval Service, he returned to Eagle Rock and married Catherine Frances Dougherty on June 11, 1955. Joe resumed his studies under the GI Bill and graduated from USC in 1956. Catherine and Joe raised five children in Burbank. During this period, Joe worked for the Burbank School District as a junior high school teacher, counselor, and assistant principal. He finished his 32 year career as the principal at Monterey High School, where he developed several innovative programs such as an infant room at the school so that students could attend classes while caring for their young children. Recently this room has been renamed the Joe Dilibert Infant Room.

Always one to volunteer to help out, he was very involved at St. Francis Xavier Church, as a member of the choir, involving himself with his sons’ local baseball little league teams and Boy Scout troops, and assisting with his daughter’s Camp Fire Girls events.

In 1975 Catherine fell ill and passed away on February 27, 1976. During this time Joe continued to support his five growing children as they finished school and began their careers. 

On February 10, 1979 Joe married Elizabeth (Liz) Hawkins.  In 1988 Joe retired from the Burbank Unified School District, and he and Liz moved to Somis, California where they enjoyed many years traveling the world, entertaining their friends and family, and contributing to their community.  Joe was very active in the Kiwanis Club of Camarillo serving as president and later treasurer.  For over 10 years he served as the “Peanut Man” responsible for their annual fundraiser to raise funds by selling peanuts for such items as bicycle helmets for local children, supplying car seats to needy families, and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the holiday season.

For years each week Joe could be found driving around Camarillo participating in the Book Buddies program reading to children at the local library as well as delivering meals to local senior shut-ins.

Joe will be remembered as a tireless and selfless volunteer.  Energetic with a keen wit who enjoyed life, family and friends, Joe was always there to brighten the lives of others.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Camarillo.  Please indicate on the memo portion of the check “Joe Dilibert Peanut Fund”. P.O. Box 533, Camarillo, CA.  93011-533.

Funeral Mass will be held on Sat. June 9 at 10:00 am at Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, CA.  93012