Michael L. Lieback, Sr., 84, of the Old Boston Section of Jenkins Township, passed away at home, Thursday, March 18, 2021.
Born in Pittston on September 27, 1936, he was the son of the late Michael P. Lieback and Mary Sparaney-Lieback. Michael was a graduate of Jenkins Township High School. He retired from the Luzerne County Courthouse as a tax assessor after 35 years.
As a teenager, Mike played in multiple semi-pro baseball leagues leading to sign a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians, in 1955, where he had a successful career.
Mike had a commitment to the local community by holding many roles such as serving as a Jenkins Township Supervisor and a Pittston Area School Director. He also was involved in community sports including coaching the Jenkins Township Teeners League and the Mount Carmel Basketball
Team; where he lead the Marauders to the 1975 championship.
He retired to Lady Lake Florida with his wife, Mary, in 1998. He started a slow pitch softball team, where he played, coached and umpired. After two years, Mike led his team to the senior league championship. Aside from his sports, Mike had a love for music. He started a Hawaiian themed band where he sang and played the banjo, entertaining at many community events. In retirement, his love for sports continued into his grandchildren’s lives. He was involved in coaching and supporting his grandchildren’s softball games, hockey games, and basketball games.
Religion played an important role in his life. Mike was strong in his faith, as a devout Catholic.
All who knew Mike enjoyed his jokes and witty sense of humor. The most important thing about Mike was how easy it was for him to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Grace Hopkins and Palma Lucas.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years Mary Lieback; children, Michael Lieback, Jenkins Township; Pete Lieback, Jenkins Township; and Michelle Musto (Husband; Leonard Musto), Pittston Township; grandchildren, Tatiana Lieback (Husband; Siul Lozada); Nicholas Lieback; Vasily Lieback; Julie Lieback; Mindina Lieback; Bernadette Lieback; Caden Mazur-Lieback; Michael Mazur-Lieback; and Myla Mazur-Lieback; great-grandchildren, Svetlana Lieback and Nelson Lozada; brother Pete Lieback, Pittston; sister Sue Ann Pantucci, Pittston.
Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.