Name: Joseph Paul Liberati III of Bethlehem Twp., passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, November 28th at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg. Born: Joseph was born on June 2, 1954 in West Pittston, PA, a son of the late Joseph Paul Liberati, Jr., and Dorothy J. Brominski Liberati. Personal: Joseph was the beloved husband of Mariann Alfano Liberati and devoted father to daughter Elizabeth Grace and son Joseph Paul IV. He was a graduate of Wyoming Area High School Class of 1972, Kings College, University of Scranton, Lehigh University and Marywood University. Joe served many years as a dedicated educator and was a true advocate for children. He started his career as a special education teacher. He became a certified reading specialist and worked for the next 12 years in Easton Middle School. For the remainder of his career, he served the Southern Lehigh School District with dedication for 22 years. He was the Southern Lehigh Middle School Assistant Principal and Principal of Hopewell and Lower Milford Elementary Schools. Joseph also served as the Director of Special Education and Assistant Superintendent. For the past ten years, he was the Superintendent of Schools. Under his leadership, the district excelled in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Joe was a member of the Lehigh University School Study Council and served a term on the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administration. Joe, a member of Silver Creek Country Club, was an avid golfer all of his life. He also enjoyed Penn State football and tailgating. However, his most cherished moments, were times spent with his family. He will be sadly missed by them, and his many friends, and colleagues. Memberships: Joe was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Bethlehem. Survivors: Joseph will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, daughter, son, and uncle Julio Liberati of Bethlehem Township; sister Cathy Judge and husband Brian of Edwardsville; sister Elizabeth Bowen and husband Robert of West Pittston; brother-in-law Dr. Salvatore Alfano and wife Linda of Camp Hill; and nieces and nephews. He is also the son-in-law of Angelo and Dorothy Alfano of Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Paul Liberati, Jr. and Dorothy of West Pittston. Services: Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and also on Friday from 9:15 am to 10:15 am in Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA. Interment will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund has been established. Contributions should be made to Southern Lehigh School District, attention: Joseph P. Liberati III Scholarship Fund, 5775 Main Street, Center Valley, PA 18034. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com