Captain Carl John Lilieberg III, USN, Ret.

Published 1:34 pm Wednesday, December 18, 2024

February 15, 1947 – December 4, 2024

Southern Shores, NC – Captain Carl John Lilieberg III, USN, Ret. passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. He was born in Niagara, NY on February 15, 1947.

Carl was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Najib and Hilda Nackley, of Hyannis, MA, Father, Carl John Lilieberg Jr., of Newfane, NY, Mother, Jeannette Nackley Strong, Stepfather, John Strong, and Brother, Paul Lilieberg, all of Hyannis, MA, Uncle and Aunt George and Elinor Nackley of Yarmouth, ME, Aunt, Nancy Dresser Flanagan, of Hopedale, MA, as well as his in-laws, James (Jim) and Alice Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA and son-in-Law, Erich G. McChesney of Norfolk, VA. He is survived by his wife, Laura Johnson Lilieberg and his children and grandchildren, Mary Phelan Toohey, (Sean Toohey, Hannah Phelan), and Mike Phelan (Lindy Cartwright Phelan, Lyna and John Michael Phelan), all of the Outer Banks, NC; and his cousins, Dr. Susan Zimmerman (Dr. Andrew Zimmerman) of Falmouth, MA and Linda Makiej (Richard Makiej) of Lowell, MA.

Carl was a graduate of Newfane High School of New York class of 1965; awarded a Bachelor of Arts from State University of New York at Buffalo class of 1969; and a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California class of 1983. In addition, Carl was honored to attend the Naval War College, in Newport, RI, obtaining an advanced studies degree in strategy and operations.

Carl proudly served his country in the United States Navy for nearly 30 years, enlisting in 1969 and becoming a commissioned officer in 1973.  He retired from a distinguished career in 1997 as a logistics and supply officer. Early in his career he completed SEAR (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training and was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team 21, where he honed his skills in demolition and reconnaissance. Some of his most notable achievements throughout his career were his service during the Vietnam War and being a plank owner aboard several ships, notably the USS Yorktown and the USS San Jose. He also served aboard the USS Inchon and USS Wadsworth and gained the additional honor of being part of operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch. Carl received numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 awards, the Navy Commendation Medal with 3 awards, and the Navy Achievement Medal with two awards, among others.

After his Navy career, he continued to serve as a government contractor with companies such as BAE and Northrop Grumman, retiring a second time in 2011. Carl also served as a member of the Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE) for many years, diligently producing their newsletter and serving as an officer on the board of the local Hampton Roads chapter before his retirement.

In his early years, Carl grew up in both CA and NY. His mother was an RN and a loving and wonderful parent, He spent a lot of time in the summers and holidays with his grandparents on the shores of Cape Cod, MA. His grandfather was a dentist, and his grandmother was a loving and caring homemaker, and through them – he gained his love of fishing, gardening and the great outdoors.

Carl loved to travel. And once he met Laura that’s what they did. They were married at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church, on June 24, 2000, and resided in Maryland for a few years before settling in Virginia Beach until 2016 when they relocated to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Moving back to the Outer Banks was a joy for Laura, bringing her closer to Mike, Lindy and her youngest grandchildren. It was also a perfect place for Carl to continue his love of fishing, gardening and spending time on the water. As an avid participant of the Tidewater Anglers Club for many years, he quickly joined and became an active member of the Outer Banks Anglers Club as well. Even roping in Laura, Sean and Mary as members, too.

Laura and Carl were also members of the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church in Kill Devil Hills, where they attended services, and Carl enjoyed his Sunday School group each week. They volunteered for events, outreach work and many other things as members of this loving church community. Laura is deeply appreciative of all the support and kindness her church family has provided over the last few years to both her and Carl, especially most recently during his last months.

Carl is an irreplaceable void in many lives. He would want everyone that knew and loved him to find meaningful purpose in their life, honor and cherish their family, be kind and respectful to others no matter who they are or what differences they may have – and to give of yourself in a way that serves the greater good.

We will celebrate Carl, his accomplishments, and the beautiful family and community he cultivated on January 9, 2025, at the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m. with a reception following at Jeannette’s Pier.

In memory of Carl, donations in his honor can be made to The American Parkinson Disease Association, The Outer Banks Presbyterian Church, or the North Carolina Costal Federation.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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