Obituary for Barry Zale (Buzz) Liber

Everyone loves Buzz. And Barry Zale Liber, affectionately known as "Buzz" by everyone, loved his life. He was born April 30, 1944, to parents, Goodman "Goody" Liber and Jean Hirsch and graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1962 and the University of Toledo as a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi in 1966.
Buzz loved to work. At the age of 16, he began half-days in the family business, Goody's Auto Parts, which later became Goody's Truck Parts. By 1975, he and his older brother Mickey became partners with their father. Mickey would eventually branch out, establishing Axle Transmission in Phoenix, while Buzz would bring a third generation, sons, Scott and Corey, into the Goody's business. Together, they grew the company into one of the most recognized and respected in the industry, Buzz was considered a pioneer among his peers in the heavy truck salvage business, serving as president of the International Truck Parts Association. He truly understood the value of hard work and believed in building relationships with vendors, customers and especially employees. He looked for the good in everyone. Goody's success led to acquisition by LKQ Corporation in 2008. Buzz could have easily retired, but he just couldn't give up his pride and joy: his Hyster forklift.
Buzz loved his community. He grew up as a member of Congregation B'nai Israel and later joined Temple Shomer Emunim where he was a member of the board of directors, served on the finance committee and was chair of the United Jewish Fund campaign for the Jewish Federation, of Greater Toledo. He was recognized by the Federation with a Young Leadership Award. In embracing his faith, he accepted the responsibility of community service and was a generous supporter of the Toledo Museum of Art, the Jewish Federation, the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, the University of Michigan Transplant Center and a myriad of arts, social and political causes. He was an avid golfer with a 6 handicap and for years belonged to Glengarry Golf Club and Stone Oak Country Club.
Buzz loved his friends and family, and he surrounded himself with them on unforgettable vacations, holidays and entirely too many meals at J Alexanders, Kyoto-KA, Mancy's, Rick's City Diner and Barry Bagels. His favorite Sunday activity was dim sum, because it meant spending time with his grandchildren.
And most of all, Buzz loved Linda, his wife and soul mate of 27 years. The two were
inseparable and shared countless adventures traveling with friends and family to Paris, Alaska, the Turks and the Galapagos Islands. They were like magnets at social gatherings and were fierce advocates for important causes like David's House of Toledo, the Jewish Federation and Planned Parenthood.
Buzz died early Saturday morning from cancer-related complications, leaving an extraordinary impact on the thousands he touched with his devilish smile, kind words and generous heart.
He is survived by brother, Mickey (Marcia) of Phoenix, Arizona; sister, Cathy Sperling (Steve); children, Scott Liber (Cindy), Corey Liber, Lauren Berebitsky of Chicago, Daniel Berebitsky (Charlie) of Dallas; daughter-in-law, Abby; grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, Sarah, Mitchell, Joey; life-long friend and kidney donor, Rhoda Miller.
Preceding him in death were parents, Goodman and Jean; and first wife, Marcia Greenspoon,
Services will be Tuesday, March 22, at 11 a.m. at Temple Shomer Emunim in Sylvania. Burial will immediately follow at Eagle Point Cemetary in Rossford. All are welcome as the family receives friends from 7 - 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday in the home of Buzz and Linda at 13 Exmoor in Ottawa Hills.
The family extends special thanks to his doctors in Toledo and the doctors and nurses of the University of Michigan Hospital. Contributions in his honor are requested for University of Michigan Transplant Center, the Jewish Federation or Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio.
As published in The Blade - See more at: