Morton H. Lieberman

Decorated War Veteran
 

Morton H. Lieberman, 84, of Bridgeton died Thursday evening February 6, 2003 at S.J. Hospital – Bridgeton in Bridgeton following a long illness.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Lieberman was the son of the late Hyman and Minnie Gorman Liberman (correct spelling). He was a resident of The Cumberland Manor in Hopewell Township for the past six years and previously resided at the Indian Run Terrace Apartments in Bridgeton.

Mr. Lieberman graduated from West Philadelphia High School at the age of fifteen and began working in the local resorts in the New York State area. He joined the US Air Force in 1942 as a right waist gunner on the Galvanized Goose. As Technical Sergeant, he flew over thirty missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross along with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was part of the 26th Bombing Squadron of the 7th Army Air Force that participated in the original raids on the Gilbert, Marshall and the Caroline Islands. Often, Mr. Lieberman wrote of his war efforts and about the “buddies” that he remained in contact with up until his death.

After World War II, Mr. Lieberman returned to Bridgeton and worked as manager of Ray’s Jewelry until he along with a partner opened Morton Jewelers, the store that bore his name, and also Parker Jewelers in Salem. He was the chairperson of the local Red Feather Drive for two years, a member of Beth Abraham Congregation in Bridgeton, the Morning Minyan Club and the Jewish War Veterans. As a well recognized Veteran, he attended parades and made speeches. Considered a voice for the people, he often wrote about controversial issues. Mr. Lieberman read several newspapers a day and was a frequent contributor to their editorial pages by writing “Letters to the Editor.” He had correspondence with people from around the world. Most notably was Muriel Morrissey, Amelia Earhart’s sister, and Sewell Avery, Katherine Hepburn’s publicist at the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was most excited about his article “The Schissel” that was printed in The Inquirer and “Rose Jones’s Boy,” “Through the Eyes of a Waist Gunner,” in the Friends Journal, Air Force Museum Foundation.

He is survived by three daughters, Nancy L. Hohns of Philadelphia and her son, Andrews Hohns, daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and William Sharp and their children, Jared and Allie Sharp of Pittsgrove and daughter, Betsy Lieberman of San Francisco. He was predeceased by a sister, Violet Smolens and a brother Joseph H. Liberman (correct).

Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon, February 10th at 2 o’clock at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton where friends will be received one hour prior to the services.

Rabbi Steven Kirschner of Congregation Beth Abraham of Bridgeton will officiate.

The interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Abraham, Fayette St. and Belmont Ave., Bridgeton, N.J. 08302 or to the Cumberland County 4-H Horse Program, 291 Morton Avenue, Millville, N.J. 08332 or to the Overbrook School for the Blind, 6333 Malvern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151. Shiva will be observed Monday evening February 10th at 7 o’clock at the home of Patricia and William Sharp in Pittsgrove.

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