Paul H. Liberman

BARRE VT- On January 16, 2025, Paul H. Liberman, 92, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife of 72 years, Joyce by his side. Born on January 28, 1932 in Boston, MA, Paul was the son of Edward and Henrietta Liberman. The eldest of three children, Paul graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1950. While attending Northeastern University, he was a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. Under the threat of the Korean War, Paul joined the U.S. Air Force, where he received technical training in ground radio maintenance and installations. At the age of 20 and while serving in the Korean War, Paul used his leave time to return to Boston to marry the love of his life, Joyce Darling Gropper. Together, they returned to England, where Paul was stationed. While serving overseas, Paul and Joyce’s daughter, Laura was born. Following Paul’s honorable discharge from the service, the couple moved to Alabama, so Paul could earn his B.A. from the University of Alabama. Paul and his family then moved to Massachusetts, thus beginning his life’s career as a private and public-school teacher. It was there that their son, Michael was born. Paul later earned his M.S. from Michigan State University, before he and Joyce relocated the family to Vermont in 1966. From 1966 until his retirement in 1994, Paul taught science and math at Hardwood Union in Moretown. Paul relished being a teacher and working with students, and he was instrumental in assisting in the development of alternative education programs for teens used in Vermont and throughout the United States today. After retiring, Paul found immense joy in helping Joyce run her successful craft business, Pressed Flowers of Vermont. Together, the two attended hundreds of craft fairs throughout Vermont and New England. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul loved nothing more than spending time with his family, sharing beautiful moments and memories over meals and gatherings. An avid reader, especially of mysteries, Paul was known to always have a book and crossword puzzle beside his favorite chair. He loved collecting stamps, which he began in his childhood, and he amassed an extensive collection from across the globe. Paul and Joyce also loved seeing the world, especially by train, traveling throughout England, Canada, and the United States. The couple also enjoyed volunteering and being involved with various community organizations throughout their lives including the Beth Jacob Synagogue, Meals on Wheels, the Vermont Hand Crafters Association, the Barre Senior Center, and the Twin Valley Senior Center. Paul loved collecting and writing his own inspirational sayings, which he shared with his students and loved ones. One of his favorites was: “For those who dream there is no such word as ‘impossible.’ One of the best feelings in the world is the feeling of accomplishment – of getting out to do something challenging, then finishing what you started, knowing you did it really well.” Those who knew and loved Paul, knew that he—and Joyce—did life really well. Paul was predeceased by his sister and brother in-law, Nancy and Bernard Resnick. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; his brother, Daniel Liberman and sister-in-law, Helen; his daughter, Laura and son-in-law, Brian Ibey; his son, Michael and daughter-in-law, Nancy; his six grandchildren (Amanda Ibey, Alex Ibey and his wife, Jacqueline, Zachery Liberman, Kathryn Liberman, Jessica Liberman, and Madalyn Liberman); two great-grandchildren (Mason Ibey and Emma Ibey); and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Woodridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Home and Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for the loving care they provided Paul in his final weeks. Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street in Barre, with a family-only celebration and internment.

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Paul H. Liberman

January 28, 1932 - January 16, 2025