Henry R. Tiberio
Henry R. Tiberio: June 28, 1922 - November 27, 2021
The family of Henry Tiberio mourns the loss of a youthful spirit who passed on at the age of 99 after living a full and meaningful life. Henry grew up in Malden with his eight siblings surrounded by extended family who, like his parents, had emigrated from the Abruzzi region of Italy. The Tiberio family moved to Wakefield where they farmed the land around their home and where Henry was fortunate to have an enriching childhood, swimming in Lake Quannapowitt and playing tennis on the public courts in the town. This was the start of a lifelong passion for the game of tennis.
Henry Tiberio served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, stationed in Washington, D.C., then graduated from Duke University before he received his master's degree in Social Work from Boston University. While a student at BU, he met Frances Minton of Beverly while playing tennis at the United Shoe Golf and Tennis Club. They were married at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in January 1951. Together, Henry and Frances are known for their devotion to one another and the joy they found in marriage, pride in family, and in shared experiences through the sport of tennis and a community of loyal friends.
Frances was by his side throughout a 35-year career in public service for the protection of children and families and later served as a Regional Director for the Department of Public Welfare in Massachusetts. Henry believed that respecting all members of a family was necessary for the nurturing of children and was recognized by the Commonwealth for his exemplary work in a commendation from Governor Dukakis in 1983.
Henry and Frances raised their children in Beverly and he is survived by David and Judith Tiberio of Narragansett Rhode Island, Christine Bobek of Newburyport, Jeanne Tiberio of Salem and Margaret Tiberio also of Salem. He advised them to stay engaged in every stage of life. His counsel was that no matter what occurs, you can always make good decisions. Henry will be missed by his grandchildren Emily Anderson and husband David Anderson of Scituate, Matthew Tiberio and his wife Genevieve Aguera of Oakland, California, Eliza Bobek and husband Daniel Ramirez of Newburyport, and Molly Bobek and husband David Robles of Brooklyn, New York. Henry also found joy in his great-grandchildren Calvin, Isla and Harper Anderson and Lucia and Joshua Ramirez. He will also be mourned by Henry and Frances' caring nieces, nephews, and their children.
Later in life, Henry was known for his achievements as an amateur tennis player, teaching professional, and promoter of the game. A Boston Globe feature article in April 2011, "Ultimate Late Bloomer Rolls on in Beverly" describes those contributions made as a senior player. Winning his first national tournament at age 85 followed by winning consecutive national amateur tournaments in the 90-plus age group was a testament to his belief in setting high standards at any age. Henry was inducted into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. He was the driving force behind the organization of tennis teams at Bass River Tennis Club in Beverly that allowed senior players to practice and compete nationally. Recently, Henry was recognized by USTA New England for 60 years of service to the sport of tennis.
The defining thread woven throughout Henry's life was to be of service to others: the tennis community, those in need, and his family.
In lieu of flowers, Henry's family welcomes donations to Tenacity, a nonprofit whose mission supports youth in Boston and Worcester through tennis, literacy, and life skills development (www.tenacity.org) as an expression of sympathy. Information, direction, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.