Martha Marcella Diliberto

Groton, NY March 3, 1943 – May 21, 2026 Age 83

Martha Marcella Diliberto, 83, of Groton, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026. Born on March 3, 1943, in Flushing, New York, Martha was the daughter of the late Elena Agnes LaFaro and Emanuel Joseph Diliberto, Sr. She earned her bachelor's degree in pharmacy in 1965 from Union College, Albany College of Pharmacy of SUNY Albany, and went on to enjoy a long and accomplished career as a pharmacist.

Martha owned and operated two pharmacies during her career, and later in her life, she combined her love of history, beauty, and community by opening Martha's Place on Main Street in Groton, where she specialized in antiques, household furnishings, and collectibles.

She is survived by a family who loves her, including Jess, Julien, Marcia, Emanuel, Pam, Francis, Chris, Theresa, John, Patty, David, Jennifer, Aurora, and Sequoia. Martha will be remembered as a pioneer in her profession, having been one of only four women to graduate from the SUNY Albany pharmacy program in 1965. Throughout her life, she spoke out against gender discrimination and remained deeply committed to healing and helping others. She later led a peer support group for women with cancer, offering compassion, strength, and understanding to many.

She was known for her kindness, generosity, independent spirit, and lively sense of humor. In her early years, she was a pre-professional tap dancer, and in her 20s, she defied tradition and became a pilot, a passion she carried with joy throughout her life. She had a beautiful singing voice and carried on her love of music and dance throughout her life.