Eugene F. Libardi, 99
READSBORO, Vt. — Eugene Francis "Gino" Libardi, 99, of Readsboro died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at home with his family. Born in Richmond, Mass., on Aug. 2, 1915, son of Carlo and Josephine Gabriel Libardi, he attended school in Chester, Mass.
An Army veteran of World War II, he began his military service in January 1943 at Fort Devens, Mass., and served in the European theater. He received three battle stars for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe and Germany; a medal for Good Conduct; his paratrooper wings; and a Holland Citation (Presidential Citation) from France. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Mr. Libardi was employed by the former Deerfield Glassine in Monroe, Mass., for 28 years, retiring in 1979. He also was employed by the former Heartwellville Lodge and worked with his brother-in-law, Tullio Marchegiani, painting homes. After his military service, he had operated the A&L Market in Chester, with his brother, Carlo.
He and his wife, the former Ada Marchegiani, were married in 1949. They began their life together in Readsboro and, in 1959, their son, Michael Libardi, was born. After the death of his wife's sister, Dirce, in 1961, the Libardi household expanded: He and his wife, and her parents, Celso and Teresa Marchegiani, welcomed three nieces and two nephews into their family and raised them as their own.
Affectionately called "Gino" by family, Mr. Libardi spent his later years doing the things he enjoyed most — spending time at Joe-Gene Camp, fishing, hunting, gardening, and making wine.
Besides his beloved wife of 65 years, and his son and his girlfriend, Sandra Milesi, of Readsboro, he leaves his grandson, Matthew of Readsboro; his five adopted children, Earl "Herb" Sanderson, Earlene Lefebvre and her husband, Robert, and Robert Sanderson and his wife, Susan, all of Readsboro, Faun Trumble and her husband, George, of Summerton, S.C., and Gloria Quinn and her husband, John, of Englewood, Fla.; his six other grandchildren, Charlotte Clark and Caitlyn Sanderson, both of Readsboro, Lisa Noyes of Halifax, Ryan Sanderson of St. Albans, Colby Quinn of Easthampton, Mass., and Jesse Quinn of Englewood; four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews spanning many generations.
He was predeceased by his brothers Carlo Libardi and Julio Libardi, and by his sister, Natalie Libardi.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Funeral Mass for Mr. Libardi will be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 23, at 11 at St. Joachim's Church in Readsboro. Burial will follow in the Village Cemetery. At the family's request, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Joachim's Church Parish Hall after the burial for a celebration of Mr. Libardi's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 29 of Readsboro or St. Joachim's Church in care ofFlynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.