Ernest Kurt Leibiger

Ernest Kurt Leibiger, 88, husband of the late Betty P. Wheaton, longtime resident of North Haven, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2007. He was born in New Haven on July 2, 1919, son of the late Ernst K. and Josephine Sommers Leibiger. One of the first volunteers to enlist in World War II, after Pearl Harbor, serving in the South Pacific achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Graduate of Hillhouse High and Stone Business College. Longtime sales representative at C.S. Mersick and Torrington Supply Companies. Ernest was an avid sportsman, football and baseball player; was a scout for the Philadelphia Athletics and had personal correspondence with Connie Mack. He remained a fervent Athletics fan, and coached baseball for many years. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His love of nature was shared with his endearing family in such activities as picnics, camping trips and travel. A life long member and former Superintendent of Sunday School at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Survived by his daughters Sally-Jo and Bill Nanfeldt of Haskell, NJ, Nancy Eberg of North Haven, Joan Farley of Wallingford, and son Richard and Karen Leibiger of Durham. His grandchildren Kent and Linda Eberg of Hamden, Vicki Eberg of North Haven, Cheryl and Robert Gilbert of Hamden, Deborah and Eric Tangney of Wallingford, Robert and Sherry Farley, Jr. of North Haven, Kimberly and Anthony Ferriaolo of Cheshire, Tania Ryalls of Brooklyn, NY, Rachel P Leibiger and Emily P. Leibiger of Durham. His great-grandchildren James Eberg, Shyanne Magoon, Brett Pilgrim, Kyle Magoon, William Eberg, Christopher Eberg, Samantha Eberg, Samantha Farley, Alyssa Gilbert, Robert Farley, Lucien Ferriaolo, Lexi Ferriaolo, and Leah Ferriaolo. And many nieces and nephews including those who reside in Germany. He was pre-deceased by two siblings, Gertrude Bradley and Arthur Leibiger. Family would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital for the wonderful care he received over the years. A Funeral Service will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven on Thursday, Oct. 4th at 10 a.m. Friends may visit with the family on Wed. (TODAY) evening from 5-8 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ernest's name may be sent to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 280 Humphrey St., New Haven, CT 06511. Burial with full military honors in Beaverdale Memorial Park.