Milton LIEBERMAN Obituary

LIEBERMAN, Milton

Milton Lieberman, age 92, of West Hartford -- for decades one of Hartford's most popular music teachers and musicians -- died at home on Tuesday (October 18, 2011). He was the beloved husband for 63 years of Irma Barbra (Slusky). Born in Ostrow, Poland, he was the son of Jechiel Lieberman and Jennie (Szendel) Lieberman. Mr. Lieberman moved with his mother to Hartford in 1923. He graduated from Weaver High School in 1937 and studied Double Bass and music education at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, earning his Bachelors in 1941. During World War II, he served in Europe as a member of the Army Signal Corp and the Air Force. Afterward he studied at Cambridge University in England, and earned a Masters from the Hartt School of Music where he also taught the Double Bass. Mr. Lieberman became a forceful advocate for music education in Hartford's public schools. He was widely known for his ability to blend humor with his broad knowledge of music history to make classical and jazz relevant to students. He spent several years directing Bulkeley High School's orchestra, band, and chorus. In 1969, he joined the newly formed Greater Hartford Community College where he helped to build its music department and conducted instrumental and vocal performances. In addition to his teaching, Mr. Lieberman was associate principal of the Hartford Symphony's Double Bass section, and performed with the Connecticut Opera, the Connecticut Ballet, and the Springfield Symphony. Active in community affairs, Mr. Lieberman taught religious school at Temple Beth Israel and conducted the chorus at St. Thomas Seminary. After retiring in 1985, Mr. Lieberman became executive director of the Karr Doublebass Foundation, which loans quality instruments to deserving young performers. Mr. Lieberman is survived by his wife Irma; his daughter Debra of Santa Barbara, CA; and his son David and his wife Marlene of NY. He also is survived by three cherished grandchildren, Eliot, Emma, and Jeffrey; and his brother, Harold and his wife Toby of Woodstock, NY.
A funeral will be graveside with full military honors on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Beth El Cemetery at the end of Jackson St. off of Arch St. in Avon with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Following interment, the family will receive friends at Brookdale Place, 22 Simsbury Rd. in West Hartford, and again on Monday and Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Beth El Temple or to a charity of the donor's choice. May his memory be a blessing. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, Inc., West Hartford.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Milton LIEBERMAN

7 Entries

Bettie-Jeanne Rivard-Darby

December 20, 2023

I am a former student of Mr. Liberman's.
And even though it has been some 58 or so years since that time, I ALWAYS, ALWAYS remembered him.
Mr. Liberman really did help to instill a love of music, instrumentals, working together for a common goal, in me. I honestly loved and looked up to him as a student truly admiring a teacher could do.

I also got to know Mr. Liberman a bit outside of school as he was an eyeglass patient of my Dad, Rene' Rivard. I would look forward to him dropping by for an adjustment, always with smiles and silly jokes.

I remember the day that he brought my dad and I to the Bushnell stage, and I got to walk upon it and look our into the empty chairs, thinking how one day I would entertain on that stage.
And I did. Many times.

Mr. Liberman inspired countless students and that one little girl in me who grew up to instill the love of music in my own children.

Why, after all this time, do I look him up now and write now?

Because last night I attended a performance of a middle school jazz band, and 7th and 8th grade concert bands. An, immediately, Mr. Liberman came to mind.

I am now 66 having left elementary school in 1971 and high school in 1973...and I will always remember and be thankful for MR. Liberman's presence in my young life.

Mike Miano

October 26, 2011

To the Lieberman Family,

I was very sorry to learn that Milton had passed away. For 5 years he was my band and orchestra director at Kennelly School in Hartford, followed by 4 more years at Bulkeley High School and followed by yet another 2 years at Greater Hartford Community College where he headed up the music department organizing and directing our band and chorus and also teaching a variety of various music courses... and I believe I signed up for and attended just about all of them. That would have made a grand total of 12 consecutive years that Milton was one of my teachers just about every day that I attended school from the time I was about 8 until I was 20 years old. When I think about it, I probably had more interaction with him than I did my own father during that time. "Uncle Miltie," as he was known to a core of students who like myself were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher, friend, and role model through much of our childhoods and young adulthoods, was as kind and genuine a person as you could ever expect to meet. He seemed to so enjoy sharing his knowledge and helping to develop talents in others , especially those who shared his love, passion, and deep respect for music and performing. Although I had not seen him in quite a few years I do still think of him often and I am thankful to have had him in my life. He was a wonderful person and please know that many of the lessons and examples he shared with his so many students over the years will be a part of us for our entire lives. My sincerest sympathies to the entire Lieberman Family.

George and Anne Gingold

October 22, 2011

Dear Irma, Debbie, David and families, Our hearts are with you at this time of loss. We will forever remember Milt for the twinkle in his eye, his dry humor, his caring personality and, of course, his music anecdotes. All our love,

Roz Hahn

October 21, 2011

May the memories you have ease the pain of your loss. Milt was an extraordinary man! My sincerest sympathies....

cheryl upton

October 21, 2011

hi mrs. lieberman. this is cheryl upton. you know me as cheryl at the front desk at suburban pharmacy. i want to express my sincere condolences to you and your family. i enjoyed seeing and helping the both of you at the drugstore.

Frey Family

October 21, 2011

The family of the late Deborah & Marcy Frey extend their condolences. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Bulkeley High School

October 21, 2011

May his memory be for a blessing. His Bulkeley High School family will remember his influence always. He would be proud of our new music program.

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