Carmen Joseph LiBrandi, Quite The Unique Character, Has Passed

Carmen Joseph LiBrandi

Bishop McDevitt High School

Class of 1967

A UNIQUE CHARACTER

Carmen Joseph Librandi, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on June 20, 2018 at his home in York, Pennsylvania.
 

Reading his obituary and hearing from some who knew Carmen reveal that he presented quite a unique character.

Joe was born in Steelton, PA on March 18, 1949, the son of the late Carl P. and Margaret M. Librandi. 

Carmen
Bishop McDevitt
Class of 1967

Carmen,
McDevitt Band

Joe graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School, Class of 1967, where he was on the Honor Roll and played in the marching band's drum-line from 1963-1967. 

LaSalle Portrait

Joe graduated cum laude from LaSalle College, Class of 1971, where he was again a drummer in the ROTC band, and with degrees in Business and Clinical Psychology. 

From 1971 to 1984, Joe worked as a line haul supervisor for Consolidated Freightways. 

In 1984, Joe left Corporate America to become a self-employed tax-advisor and securities broker. In 1992, Joe switched his practice entirely to tax preparation. 

Joe LaBrandi,  BusinessmanLibrandi Consulting and Tax Preparation

In the 26 years that followed, Joe expertly guided countless clients through the twists and turns of the United States tax code.  In the process, he converted most of these contacts into dear friends who respected, admired and appreciated his intelligence, sharp-witted humor and generosity. 

Of his roughly 130 clients from all over the country, 80% of them loyally relied on his expertise for nearly three decades. 

At a time when most are winding down careers and gearing up for retirement, Joe was still expanding his business having added 22 new clients this year. 

Despite many health challenges over the past several years, Joe never lost his sense of humor or his love of life. 

Joe savored every minute of his time with friends and loved ones, and counted himself lucky to have forged these close relationships. 

In his free time, Joe enjoyed the company of his beloved dogs, reading, watching movies, hanging from the chandeliers, collecting teddy bears and eating good food. 

Joe LiBrandi, the grandkids know him as Gramps

In recent years, Joe found no greater joy than when fulfilling the role of "Gramps" to his two surviving grandchildren, Ian Jr. (5) and Julian (6).  Joe considered them to be the light of his life and he didn't even seem to mind that they turned his tough, gritty exterior into a complete marshmallow. 

Joe leaves behind him the legacy of a life lived to the fullest.

Joe will be missed by all who loved him. 

A Memorial Service is being planned for the afternoon of July 14 in York.  Contact his executor's (Daniel Fennick) office, 717-846-7100 for further information.

Published in York Daily Record & York Dispatch on July 3, 2018 (Edited for this article)

There are some unique, funny stories below these pictures of Carmen.

Joe LaBrandi,  Businessman
Librandi Consulting and Tax Preparation

Carmen
Bishop McDevitt
Class of 1967

Carmen

McDevitt Band

LaSalle College
Class of 1971

Carmen LiBrandi, La Salle University Business and Clinical Psychology

Carmen J. LiBrandi, Gramps, 
As the grandkids know him

C. Joe LiBrandi
Facebook Page

Joe LaBrandi,  Businessman 
Librandi Consulting and Tax Preparation

.

Joe B., a Bishop McDevitt Classmate, shared this funny, unique story about Carmen from 52 years ago 

"Things were always interesting when I was with Carmen"

"I remember in the summer of '66 we went to Hershey Park (looking for girls, of course) and he transported us there in his white Mercury Comet that had the stick shift on the steering column. Well...long story short, we tried chatting-up these two girls (Billy Preston's "Summertime” was blaring over the Park's PA), and someone said something wrong, because one of the girls (believe it or not) had won a rubber plucked chicken as a prize at one of the game arcades and she hauled off and swatted Carmen in the face with it so hard it knocked off his glasses. Things were always interesting when I was with Carmen."

I have a friend Charles, who saw the obituary posted on Facebook.  He called me today and relayed a very old memory. 

Charles O. from the 3rd grade, 60 years ago 

"I knew Carmen in 3rd grade when he lived in Marysville. Carmen then moved away and I never saw him again. But, I vividly remember Carmen being at my birthday party when we were in the 3rd grade. At the time, I was all about Zorro. I had a sword and would write a "Z" on the pavement with chalk.  Though we never reconnected again, we shared my 3rd grade birthday party about 60 years ago, a memory never to be forgotten."

It is amazing how the posting of Carmen's obituary on my personal Facebook page was seen by a friend of mine who knew Carmen when they were in the 3rd grade together 60 years ago, and they never saw one another again. Carmen made a lasting impression on Charles.  I wonder if Carmen remembered that birthday party for Charles.

James Eugene BarbushBishop McDevitt Class of '67

Reunion Committee Co-Chair
2021 Blue Mountain Parkway
Harrisburg, PA  17112

(717) 514-5549
EMail:  JamesEBarbush@GMail.com
Web Site: The Shepherd's Voice