December 18, 2025
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
SOLAHA Vol. V, No.23 – Libby DiBernardo Fishing Off Del Mar, Buried Treasure Or a Bomb?
Native of Ischia, Italy the island in the Mediterranean who emigrated with his family c. 1937, “Libby” DiBernardo recounts story of fishing off Del Mar, Calif. for a bug catch that was lost when the net had huge hole and instead the crew captured a treasure chest: buried treasure or a bomb?
At about 96 years old Libby walks many miles daily and reports to work.From his career as a commercial fisherman to real estate “mogul” he is well known in the San Pedro community. One of seven children he arrived in the seaside town at young age when the family was reunited with his father who had emigrated and “commuted” for annual visit to homeland then finally made permanent move.
Growing up a fisherman, he began studying to get his real estate license while mending from surgery taking a break from fishing that lead to his starting a real estate agency. When his son expressed interest in following in the real estate business he opened DiBernardo Realty.
Libby is so vibrant telling his stories we want to hear more! His strong work ethic, dynamic personality, ageless energy is an inspiration.