Jose "Lalo" Hilario Liberato

Jose Hilario Liberato, 81, of Providence, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Maria Liberato. Jose was born in Los Mates del Palmar, Villa Gonzalez, Dominican Republic to the late Petronila Liberato and Eligio Toribio. In Dominican tradition, Jose was also raised by the late Felix Suero and Rafaela Del Carmen Ureña. 

Before emigrating to the US in 1981, Jose worked as a farmer in the  countryside of Los Mates del Palmar, a remote town 91 miles North West of Santo Domingo. Accessible only by hiking, mules and horses, Los Mates sits half a mile above sea level and is the natural paradise where Jose raised his daughters, tilled the land, planted and harvested a bounty of crops and tended to farm animals. It is this deep rooted connection to green earth, open sky and being attuned to the natural cycles of life that shaped his sensitivity, generosity and love for others. This ancestral wisdom was his gift to all who were blessed to know him. 

This sliver of paradise flourished in his Providence home as well, evidenced by the great variety of plants and flowers that would grace his home and garden.

He was the father and grandfather to many of his heart family. His presence was always welcoming, heartwarming and nurturing, grounded in a natural trust, honest, and genuine joy.

Wishing for a different and more promising future for his growing daughters, Jose had to part from his family and this sliver of paradise as he prepared for a new life in Providence, RI.

Jose was affectionately known as “Lalo.” Working as a skilled craftsman for a prominent jewelry company, Lalo, working alongside his wife was able to secure visas for his young daughters who would eventually join them in the US.

In 1992, Lalo suffered a serious work related accident. Through his deep faith, perseverance and the healing support and love of his family, Lalo regained his strength and mobility.

Lalo was a dedicated Yankees fan who was known to offer jokes and best wishes to Red Sox fans in his family along with chocolate cake when they were eliminated from the MLB playoffs.

Jose is survived by his two treasured daughters, Miguelina Liberato (Meg) and Ramona Liberato, both of Providence. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Elyssa Rose Perez, Idalys Marie Perez, of Providence, and his siblings Martina, Ana Hilda, Marino and Francisco and his Suero siblings of the Dominican Republic, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Juan Antonio.

A Mass of Christian Burial in honor of Jose will take place Thursday, March 25, in St. Michael Church, Providence at 12:00 PM. Visitation will take place in "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home at 9:30 AM – 11:15 AM. Graveside burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery. 

The family of Jose Liberato appreciates flower arrangements and/or contributions to the Elayne Walker-Cabral Medical Scholarship Endowment, which was established by Lalo's beloved granddaughters, through the Rhode Island Foundation website. Please share memories and condolences at WoodlawnGattone.com