Dr. Peter Lieberman, 79, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2017. Peter was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 31, 1937, the son of the late Maurice and Bertha (Smith) Lieberman. Peter was married to his beloved wife, the late Rita Ellen Ranucci, for 46 years. He earned a BS in chemistry from Oberlin College and a PhD in analytical chemistry from the City University of New York. Peter’s first career was in physical science; he performed chemical research in industry as well as academic research at The Technical University of Delft in The Netherlands. Peter was also an educator and taught chemistry at the Universities of Pittsburgh and Utah and Wellesley College. Additionally, Peter was a classical music enthusiast and assisted Rita in founding The Hague Summer Music School in the Netherlands. Having met Rita in a Connecticut ski club, they shared a love of the outdoors including skiing, biking and traveling. In 1992, Peter and Rita launched Centre Ski and Bike and developed it into the bustling full service enterprise that it remains today. Peter was also a philanthropist who supported the learning community and various other causes that were important to him. Peter is survived by his son, Eben Lieberman and his wife Corrine Ochsner Lieberman of East Longmeadow, MA; sister, Shelly Wright of Bethesda, MD; niece, Meredith Wright of Baton Rouge, LA; granddaughter, Cora Lieberman and several cousins and friends. The family is grateful to Dr. Lachlan Forrow from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Palliative Care team for his kind and compassionate care during Peter’s recent illness. Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial visitation for both Peter and his late wife Rita at Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, West Newton, on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 2-5pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Palliative Care Service at bidmc.org/giving.

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