Dr. Samuel David Ciliberto

Dr. Samuel David Ciliberto, 84, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Ciliberto was born in Manhattan, New York, to the late Samuel Ciliberto and Grace Maria Esposito Ciliberto. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Loreen O'Bryon Ciliberto.

Dr. Ciliberto earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Houghton University in New York. He began his medical education at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York and later completed his orthopedic residency with the U.S. Army. During his military service, he served as Chief Orthopedic Surgeon and attained the rank of Major.

In 1975, Dr. Ciliberto established his medical practice in Sanford, where he faithfully served the community until his retirement in 2011.

He also served as Chief of Staff at Central Carolina Hospital. Outside of medicine, he enjoyed carpentry, singing, and music. Throughout his distinguished career, he touched countless lives through his skill, compassion, and dedication to patient care. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many patients whose lives he impacted.

Dr. Ciliberto is survived by his sons, Mark Ciliberto; Nathan Ciliberto (Jennifer) of Raleigh; and Craig Ciliberto (Heidi) of Sanford; daughters, Deborah "Debbie" Barnes (James) of Sanford and Valerie Godfrey (Edward Jr.) of Sanford; brother, Luke Ciliberto (Chyrll) of New York; sister, Grace Lussier (Dan) of Cary, North Carolina; and grandchildren, Joshua (Ann), Ashley, Shane, Crystal, Jonathan (Katie), Samuel, Joseph, Hali, and Benjamin, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held at Bridges & Cameron Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, with Eric Davidson officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memory Gardens with military honors.

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