Frank Liberto

Frank Liberto went to see our Lord peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in San Antonio in 1933 and attended Central Catholic High School prior to receiving his B.B.A. in Marketing from Saint Mary's University in 1955. He married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Edwards on March 2, 1957, beginning a 60-year love story of incredible memories, four children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Frank was a third-generation leader of Liberto Specialty Company following his father Enrico and grandfather Rosario. Frank is recognized around the world as the person who originated concession nachos in 1976 at Arlington Stadium where the Texas Rangers played at the time. A year later he founded Ricos Products, which remains a worldwide leader in the industry today. He was recognized as a South Texas Entrepreneur of the Year in 1994 and is one of three Honorary Lifetime Board Members of the National Association of Concessionaires. He also received the St. Mary's University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1988. Despite all of his business accolades, Frank was proudest of his accomplishments as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As a donor and supporter Frank championed many local and national organizations in the fields of education, health and human services, the arts and the military; with a special place in his heart for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Oblate School of Theology and the Lighthouse for the Blind. Frank was also a commissioned second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army's Artillery, serving six months of active duty and 12 years in the active reserves before resigning as a captain. He always enjoyed time fishing with his family, friends and business associates in Port Aransas, Texas. Whether he was on his boat the Popcorn Hustler with family, or inviting one of his grandchildren into the boat barn for another project, Frank helped make a second home there for the family. Frank was preceded in death by his parents Antoinette and Enrico Liberto and his daughter Mary Patricia. He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Denise and her husband Bill, sons Rick and Tony, and Tony's wife Catherine, grandchildren Megan and her husband Cameron, Preston, Danielle, Brianna, Madeline and Nicolas, great-grandson Wyatt, and best four-legged friend Princess. The family extends our sincere appreciation to the caregivers who gave so much of themselves to ensure our father was comfortable and secure on a daily basis. We thank Linda, Tay, Grace, Alice, Betty, Hector, George, James and Andrew ~ we love you all from the bottom of our hearts. With humble gratitude, we would like to also acknowledge St. Gabriel's Hospice and Caring Solutions for their care, comfort and loving open arms they shared with us and Frank. The family will host a visitation on Sunday, Nov. 12th at St. Anthony De Padua Church, 102 Lorenz beginning at 4 p.m. followed by Rosary at 6 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Monday, Nov. 13th at 11:30 a.m. with interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nicolas Liberto, Andrew J. Magliolo, William Magliolo, Preston Petri, Robert Scribner and Jim Whitehead. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 8700 Crownhill Blvd., #803, San Antonio, TX 78209; the Oblate School of Theology, 285 Oblate Dr., San Antonio, TX 78216 or the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Antonio, 2305 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, TX 78210.