08/22/2026
John Baptist Lieberman III, 89, of Pottsville, was welcomed into the Lord’s arms on Friday,
August 21st. He was surrounded by his loving family and passed peacefully at his home.
Born in Shenandoah and raised in Mahanoy City, he was the son of the late John B. and Gretchen
Fuhrmann Lieberman II.
He was a graduate of St. Fidelis Elementary School and Class of 1955 at Shenandoah Catholic
High School. He graduated cm laude at Georgetown University before attending Villanova
School of Law where he served as Associate Editor of the Villanova Law Review. In 1963, he
was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar Association where he maintained lifetime membership. He
faithfully served as President of the Schuylkill County Bar Association in 1972.
John found his lifetime vocation in the practice of law. He truly loved his work and remained
dedicated to his clients until his retirement in December 2025.
John’s greatest commitment and source of joy was his beloved wife Annette, whom he married in
1965, and their children and grandchildren. John was preceded in death by daughter Krista, son
John IV, wife Annette, and sisters Carolyn and Gretchen.
John is survived by his adoring children: daughter Gretchen and husband Robert Witman, son
Gregory and wife Angela, son Eric and wife Jennifer, son Christopher, daughter Lauren,
daughter-in-law Jennifer and husband Lonnie Allbaugh. He is also survived by his grandchildren:
Elizabeth and husband Christian Mehl, Bobby and wife Claire, Christian, John V (Jack), Ava,
Anna, Livia, Emma, Luke, Gwenyth, Kaier, Avery, Tyler, and Ryan; and Great-Grandchildren:
Warren, Whitney, and Cameron.
John is also survived by sister Anne and husband James Crossen, sister Mary and Edward
Goodwillie, sister-in-law Kathleen Haughney, brother-in-law Thomas Fallon and wife Gloria,
and brother-in-law Richard Fallon, as well as many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Over the years, John was a loyal member of countless community organizations and charitable
entities. He prioritized service above self and generously gave his time and resources. Above all,
John’s source of strength and integrity was rooted in his Catholic faith. His love of God and
commitment to a life of selfless service were passed down to his family, leaving a lasting legacy
of faith, humility, and generosity.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. John the
Baptist Church, Pottsville. Friends may call on Wednesday, Aug 26 from 8:30 a.m. until the time
of Mass. Interment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Mahanoy Township. In lieu of flowers, the
family would prefer donations to The Nativity Green Wave Association or St. John the Baptist
Memorial Fund. The Oravitz Funeral Home, Shenandoah, assisted by James P. Haughney Jr.,
oversees arrangements.
