THORNDIKE – Robert E. Liberty Sr. (Gene) of Thorndike, passed away in Augusta on Dec. 20, 2023.

Gene was born on June 21, 1935, in Waterville to Romeo and Doris (Cote) Liberty. He attended Lawrence High School for a short time then left to go to work to help support his family. When old enough, he joined the Marine Corps and proudly served during the Korean conflict.

In 1954 he married Anne M. LaRochelle and was married to her until her death in 1987. Gene and Anne raised their children in Fairfield. He had numerous jobs to support his family and he spent the last 30 years of his working career as a plumber working for Houle’s Plumbing and Heating.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, golf and watching high school sports, especially football on Friday nights.

He was predeceased by his parents Romeo and Doris, wife Anne, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife Catherine; his children Debora Webb and husband Michael, Donna Owens and her husband John, Diana Cosgrove and her partner Paul Gates, Rob Liberty and his wife Darcy, stepchildren Suzanne Lee and husband Rich, Skip Pooler and wife Jen, Laurel Samson and husband Bob. Grandchildren include Travis Liberty, Amy Dunn, Sara Webb, Bruce Liberty, Ryan Cosgrove, James Ray, Robbie Liberty, Connor Liberty, and step grandchildren Riley Samson, Kamy Pooler, Ryker Samson; and great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

We are going to miss so many things about our dad, one of the biggest, will be not hearing your voice singing us happy birthday on our special day, your last was to Darcy two days before your death.

We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Glenridge for all the love and care they gave to dad for the past nine months.

There will be a spring burial, May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta .

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers funeral home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield where memories can be shared.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine” – Semper Fi. Dad!

In lieu of flowers, a

donation can be made in Gene’s name to the;

Barbara Bush

Children’s Hospital

22 Bramhall Street

Portland, ME 04102



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