Randall Stone “Randy” Lieberman, 62, the long-time publisher of the Chester County Press and several regional magazines, passed away on Dec. 26 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del, surrounded by his wife and children. He was the spouse of Amy Jo McDowell Lieberman, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., he was the son of the late Irvin Lieberman and Judy (Hartle) Lieberman, and was a proud graduate of Unionville High School, as well as Susquehanna University and Franklin College in Switzerland.

For the past four decades, Randy was the architect of the Chester County Press, where under his vision and leadership, the newspaper has increased circulation, expanded its editorial content and broadened its online readership, and continues to provide thousands of area residents with often exclusive reporting on local politics, schools and school districts, arts and entertainment, business and commerce and profiles of local leaders and stakeholders.

Through his leadership, the company produces twice-a-year editions of several magazines that are circulated throughout Chester County, Delaware and Maryland; as well as partners with several business chamber groups in creating their publications.

For 32 years, he and Amy raised their children Avery and Stone at the historic “Misty Hollow” property in Landenberg, where in addition to his commitment as a father and a business owner, Lieberman’s decades-long service to the southern Chester County community saw him shine in several initiatives. Together with his friends in the mushroom industry, Lieberman was a key member of the Mushroom Festival; as a life-long conservationist, he was a past president of the New Garden Township Open Space Review Board and he also served the Landenberg United Methodist Church in several capacities.

“Randy’s community contributions to New Garden and surrounding communities are impressive indeed,” said Chris Robinson, who served with Lieberman on the New Garden Township Open Space Review Board. “His cheerful social manner and engaging personality encouraged civic participation, festivities and personal introductions as evidenced by him serving as past President of the now nationally known Kennett Mushroom Festival. 

“He made people feel good about life, about neighbors, about our history and about being civically informed.”

Known as “Captain G-Pops” to his granddaughters, Lieberman’s zest for life included his love of the sea, where he enjoyed saltwater fishing, boating and sailing; and his unbound sense of adventure that saw him and Amy enjoy extensive travel. As his many friends will easily attest, Lieberman was also the proud owner of an affable sense of humor and a laugh that often dominated any room he was in, and his unflinching dedication to the Philadelphia Eagles saw him glued to every game from Jaworski to Hurts, often in the company of his signature smoked chicken wings and other faithful friends of the flock.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his daughter, Avery Lieberman Eaton; his son, Stone Lieberman; his granddaughters, Violet and Josephine; his brother, Andrew Lieberman (Ruth); and a multitude of loving extended family.

The public is invited to visit with the Lieberman family and friends from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6 at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348. His Life Celebration Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival (https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/kennett-square-mushroom-festival/9115/)

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.  To view Randy’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].