Mitchell Liberman

MALTA- April 13, 2026 at age 75. Lawrence Steven Lieberman was born in Long Island, NY on September 14, 1950 to the late Evelyn (Weigel) and Harold Lieberman. He was predeceased by his brother, Alan Lieberman and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Salvi. They were married on October 7th, 2021. He is also survived by his three sons, Eric Lieberman, Ben Smiley, and Adam Lieberman; grandchildren Mia Smiley, Emerson Smiley, Tyler Smiley, and Kaia Chaillar; stepmother Arlene Solomon; brother Stewart Lieberman; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Lawrence graduated from Hunter College in New York City (1980) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and continued his studies at NYU, where he completed a Master of Education (M.Ed.), Special Education (1982). With nearly four decades of experience in clinical therapy, he was widely respected for his expertise and unwavering commitment to children’s emotional wellbeing. He worked as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) in the NYC Department of Education for 26 years. Post-retirement he started his own clinical practice specializing in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and children play-therapy in Staten Island, NY (2008).

In both his professional and personal life, Lawrence was known for being a relentless advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. He served on the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) for more than 35 years. He was an early champion of inclusive education, working to ensure that students with disabilities could learn alongside their peers in general education classrooms. He advanced this cause through more than 35 impartial hearings with the New York Board of Education. Because of his unwavering commitment, his son Eric, along with many other children in similar circumstances, were able to learn alongside their peers rather than in a segregated setting.

Lawrence had a jovial spirit- he loved hosting costume parties for friends- and a playful silly side earning him the nickname “Mad Dog” amongst his skiing buddies. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and having coffee with friends. Not a carpenter by trade, but as detailed as one, he loved creating spaces to share with family and friends, whether it was a backyard jungle gym, a wraparound pool deck (tiki bar included), or a greenhouse vegetable garden. He loved being close to water; being on his boat, swimming in his pool, or watching his seven koi fish swimming around his home-made pond.

However, Lawrence will be remembered most for his caring nature as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His superpower was in his tireless, persistent support for the people in his life. He was always there, offering guidance, and boisterous strength and heart whenever it was needed most.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.