Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Jun 24, 1949 – Dec 6, 2020
ZERKA, Joseph M. – Of Fenton, age 71, died Sunday, December 6, 2020 at his residence.
Cremation has taken place and a private memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Father Pierre Bassil officiating. LIVE LINK https://evt.live/joezerka
Due to Covid-19 and government regulations, only 25 people will be allowed in the chapel at one time. Mask, group capacity and distancing guidelines must be practiced.
Those desiring may make contributions to Our Lady of Lebanon Church or Lewy Body Dementia Association.
LINK https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/joseph-zerka/JosephZerkasPage
Joseph was born in Flint, Michigan on June 24, 1949, the son of John and Sylvia (Awad) Zerka.
He was in the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years.
On March 24, 1993 he married Robin Killian in Flint.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lebanon Church and AMSYRLEB.
He enjoyed boating and being on the water.
Surviving are wife, Robin;
children, Jaime Zerka and partner John Girdwood of Flint, Aishah and husband Ryan Pirooz of Ann Arbor, Lenny Dias and partner, Kailyn Kollinger of Waterford;
grandchildren, Kieran and Remy;
brothers and sisters, Ron and wife Marilyn Zerka of Tawas, John Zerka of Tawas, Sandy and husband Dan Ballmer of Holt, Joan and husband Greg Armbruster of Flushing and Becky Dolan of Holt;
many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of special friends.
Read MoreSorry for your loss. I remember Joe from Sacred Heart High School.
I always of thought Joe as one of the nicest people you could meet.
HERMAN F MCCAIN
June 15, 2021 | Classmate
Joe was an original Bundry St. childhood friend in Flint, a fellow Cub Scout, fellow Saint Francis of Assisi alter boy and classmate, fellow Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit student and the best man at my wedding. Although I have not met with Joe or talked to him much since my wedding in 1971 (where he met my step sister Robin) the memories we created together are fondly appreciated and cherished. I pray that Joe will rest in eternal peace with Jesus.
Gerry DeLaVergne
April 26, 2021 | Friend
Joe and Robin have been neighbors for about five years Robin always says of Joe "everybody loves Joe" Yes Yes, What a kind and gentle man. I still see the sadness on his face when he came to tell me how saddened he was of the passing of my husband just days before his own. I carry his smile and soft "Hi Hun" in my heart and wish you all God's PEACE.
Roberta Hopkins
December 14, 2020 | Neighbor
Sorry to hear of Joes passing, joe was one of the sweetest and my first boss . Rip Joe ❤
Tracie Birdsley Porath
December 14, 2020 | Swartz Creek, MI | Friend
Joe,, Rest In Peace,,
Mike + Thomasina
December 14, 2020 | Friend
Living Spirit Dishgarden
Elizabeth Canever
December 12, 2020
Joe was such a fun loving guy. I can only ever remember him smiling. You will be missed by so many Joe. Sending all my love to you all ❤
Elizabeth Canever
December 12, 2020 | Friend
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Joe's death. Like many among the Lebanese community in Flint, our families have been friends for generations and Joe's passing is a sad milestone and one that occurred much too soon. May he rest in peace and may his entire family find comfort in fond memories.
Norm and Rachel Abdella
December 12, 2020 | Grand Blanc, MI | Friend
Robin and Zerka family,
We have had heavy hearts this past week. Sometimes in life you meet someone and although not having spent alot of time with that person you know they're the real deal. I wish I could have had the opportunity to spend more time around Joe. To say he was a kind and loving man is a tremendous understatement I'm sure. Robin we will be thinking of you and the family in the days that lay ahead and hoping you gain strength with each passing day. Godspeed Joe!
December 12, 2020
