Jon Liebing

"What if this this is the last time we see you for a while?" - Jon Liebing

On Monday, July 17th, Central New York lost one of its greatest treasures, Musician Jon Liebing, of Marcy, NY. Jon left this earthly plane having been surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born on May 26th,1960, Jon attended Oriskany High School. He was a member of his local community his entire life. Perhaps the largest group of survivors of this terrible loss are the literal thousands of people who were indeed fans and also loved him dearly. There was never a charity or fundraiser suggested to Jon that he did not freely donate his talents to, consistently turning down any offer of payment for his contributions. 

 A rare breed, Jon dedicated his life to his full-time pursuit of music. To say he was a struggling artist would be an understatement, yet he always had a genuine smile, lighting up any room and bringing joy and laughter anywhere he performed. Jon often played beyond his scheduled contract, and never quit until the room was satisfied. Jon would be humbled to be praised for the 18 solo albums he wrote, produced, and recorded in his lifetime, performing every function of singing and playing on his own, with the occasional exception from an occasional contemporary honored to be asked to contribute.

Jon always wanted to teach his friends, not just about music; but to help others to learn from his past mistakes, to avoid the pain of potential consequences, where possible. He would share his experiences (and what he had learned from them) in hopes that those of us whom he loved would have one less worry, one less hard time. He did all things with love, and, if he loved you, you knew it. He was so good at making sure you knew it. 

Jon is predeceased by his parents Elmer & Jane Bethlehem Liebing, as well as his siblings, Michael, Susan Odom, and Kim (with whom he started playing music with as the duo The Netherlands at only 15 years old), as well as many adored pets. Jon is survived by his long-time loving companion, Jacqui Lefton. Surviving relatives include brother-in-law, Fred Odom (CA), niece, Kelly (Adam) Watson (CA), and several cousins and their families.

At this time, immediate services are private, but a public, music-filled Celebration of Life will be announced soon. In lieu of any flowers, all are invited to consider a donation to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Highway 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407 or to your local humane society in honor of Jon’s great love of animals. 

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. Prayers and condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincenteneafuneralservice.com.

Finally, in Jon's own words, "Take comfort in knowing that I gave you all that I had," and may we all find a way to " Soldier On."

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.