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Walter Zuber Obituary
AGE: 85 • Freehold
Walter J. Zuber, 85, of Freehold, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at home. He was born in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of St. Stanislaus School, Summit Hill and Summit Hill High School where he excelled at football and basketball and local American Legion Baseball. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 and served in the 188th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was chosen for the Division championship football team while stationed in Japan.
He was a graduate of Villanova University where he continued playing football. He later received his Master of Education Degree from Rutgers University. After graduation, he began his career in education as a history teacher and coach at Freehold Regional High School. He was the first principal at Southern Freehold Regional High School and later the first principal at Freehold Township High School. He retired as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for the Freehold Regional High School District. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church where he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Parish Council and a former member of the Holy Name Society of the church. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and was an avid golfer.
Mr. Zuber was a member of Freehold Council No. 1672, Knights of Columbus; American Legion Post No. 54, president of the Freehold Regional Teachers Association, and president of the Freehold Borough Little League. He was a renowned basketball referee and served as president of the IAABO Shore Board No. 194 Executive Committee. He received numerous awards for his dedicated service to IAABO and the NJSIAA. He was named to the Carbon County Chapter of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Hall of Fame and the Jersey Shore Hall of Fame.
He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Walter Zuber; a brother, Mitchell Zuber; and a grandson, Adam Zuber. Surviving are his wife, Genevieve "Bunny" Zuber; his children, Susan Zuber, Walter J. Zuber III, Ann Thomas and her husband Michael, Paul Zuber and his wife Amy, and Pamela Matteo and her husband Richard; four brothers, Joseph, Stanley, John, and Frank Zuber; two sisters, Natalie Mace and Mary Adams; and his 10 grandchildren, Chelsie and Jordan Zuber, Clare and Christopher Thomas, Jack, Madalyn, and Emily Zuber, and Danielle, Anthony, and Dominick Matteo.
The viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center St., Freehold. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, followed by interment at the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Rose of Lima Church, 16 McLean St., Freehold, NJ 07728.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Todd Sidor
July 6, 2024
Mr. Zuber was an educational institution in Freehold. He is a model for what every educator should strive to be. He will be sorely missed.
mike mcneil
December 21, 2020
Much love and respect forever Mr.Zuber, my favorite basketball ref, loved your detail and unique animation in making calls but i also know you are a great person.
December 5, 2019
STILL BRINGS A TEAR TO MY EYES WHEN I THINK OF MR. Z. I STILL CAN SEE SAINT ROSE W STANDING ROOM ONLY WHAT AN HONOR. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BUNNY.
Keith Washington
January 22, 2014
My condolences to the Zuber family . R.I.P. Mr Zuber ! Thank you for you're guidance and interest while my brother's and I were under your watch. Class of '68 SFRHS
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Richard Dubrovsky
December 28, 2013
FRHS 61 grad SFRHS 65
Truly the mark of a genuine, caring person, that a 4 year memory lasts a lifetime.
Rita Labrecque
December 23, 2013
As a basketball official, I knew it was going to be fun when I walked into the gym and found out my partner was Walt Zuber. Not only was he a terrific official, he was the nicest gentleman to work with. He truly exemplified "class". It was my pleasure to have known and worked with him. Thank you for sharing him with so many people.
Grace Navin
December 20, 2013
To the zuber family...I was a previous student of Howell township h.s. and moved to Summit Hill, PA unaware that we had just directly next door to his family home. We were not origianally from carbon county, but came to be so involved with the zuber's of West Fell Street. His family embraced us as new neighbors and eventually we became surrogated families. So sad to hear of his passing, I do remember him well from my time at Howell, but as well as his visits to visit his mom and family. sending my condolences to his wonderful family. He shall rest now with the angels and his dearly departed. Blessings and prayers for all.
Betty & Jim Foster
December 13, 2013
Walt was a great teacher, coach, and always a "gentleman". We'll remember him with great fondness. Condolences to your entire family.
Gene Glum
December 13, 2013
I remember Coach Zuber when he first came to Freehold High School. He was a fine, outstanding person and well-liked by everyone. Condolences to his wife and family.
Timothy Hill
December 13, 2013
After 35+ years away from the "courts", I still remember the respect and admiration I had as an impressionable young athlete for Mr. Zuber. He truly was a teacher, mentor, friend and "memory maker" for many throughout his career. May God Bless and comfort his family during this time.
Tim Hill, (HHRS Class of '78)
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Charles Parham
December 12, 2013
Deapest sympathy to the Zuber family. Mr. Zuber was my back field coach in 1953 his first year at Freehold.We remained friends through the years. May God bless you all.
Judy and Burt
December 12, 2013
Athough we are unable to be with you at this time, we are so pleased that we were able to visit with Walt this summer. Bunny, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sister Bernadette Larson MSC
December 12, 2013
My prayers are with all of you during this time. I have very fond memories of Walt as he refereed many of the Saint John Vianney Basketball Games and then even after that when he was the assigner for the games.
Barbara Wodell
December 12, 2013
Pam and family
My thoughts are with you and your family!
December 12, 2013
My sincere condolences to Walt's family at this time. i had to honor to observe Walt work as an official and then to work with him on many occasions. He was the epitome of what an official stood for and was loved and respected by his peers, coaches and players who knew him. forever in our hearts and minds. Rest in Peace.
Don Reid
Dorothy Crippen
December 12, 2013
My Condolence To The Zuber Family
Dorothy Crippen & Family
December 11, 2013
Bunny and family,I'm so sorry to hear of about Walt's passing. He was my #1 favorite history teacher.I always felt he was heading me down the right path.My condolences are extended to you. Betty Culverhouse Johnson San Clemente CA
Lee Perry Jr
December 11, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Zuber family.
Brian Fitzsimmons
December 11, 2013
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. We remember many funny stories told by Brian's Dad, John Fitzsimmons, of their days in FRHS District.
Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
-Brian, Kathy, Caroline. Elise and Lauren Fitzsimmons
mondon team 1985-86 with coaches steve gepp and mike kozzi sr...
mike mcneil
December 11, 2013
mr.zuber will always be my favorite ref, he was also my father's principal in englishtown many moons ago. i will never forget how animated you were as a ref and a great person
Tami Bacskay
December 11, 2013
My Deepest Sympathies to the Zuber Family - I heard a lot of great things about Walt from my Mom. May he Rest in Peace. Sending lots of love to you at this sad time.
Bill Pollock
December 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Zuber family. I had the honor of working for Mr. Zuber and FRHSD for many years. Our family will surely miss you. Our son has many fond memories of playing elementary school basketball with Mr. Zuber officiating.
Bill & Jeannie Pollock
December 11, 2013
bunny and family sorry for your loss. bunny you were so kind to me when my mom died and I will never forget it. sorry I can't be there, but my health prevents it.
Francine jacobsen
December 11, 2013
TO THE ZUBER FAMILY MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM WILLIE DAVIS AND FAMILY OF HOWELL NJ.
Carla Grover
December 11, 2013
He will be remembered by so many. My condolences to Bunny and the family.
Bobbie Brooks
December 11, 2013
I remember you from freehold high and howell high. May the gates be open for you.
Colleen Rafter
December 11, 2013
Captain, my captain,
Your leadership and wisdom were matched by your humility, wit and wisdom. When times were tough, your example taught us all how to weather the eye of the storm with amazing grace. You taught us to try with no fret of failure, give with no expectation of return, and love with no limits or logic. Though you now rest in peace, your love lives on in all of us.
Julian & Lucy Premus
December 11, 2013
Condolences to Bunny and the rest of the family. Mr Zuber was a phenomenal person and a fantastic role model. We all have a very special guardian angel watching over all of us.
Carol & Bob Gardell
December 11, 2013
We were very to sad to hear that Mr. Z passed. He wa highly respected & admired by all the student's who were fortunate to have him as a teacher
Melanie Willoughby
December 11, 2013
Mr. Zuber was my mentor throughout high school. He was a great role model. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Howell High 72'
Thanks a Million Walt!
Dr. Paul Ouano
December 11, 2013
The Ouano Family will treasure the great memories we have of Walt as a referee and friend. It was wonderful to have spent time with such an extraordinary man. God Bless you Walt and may your family find comfort in their memories of you.
December 11, 2013
Mr. Zuber will always be fondly remembered as a genuine person. Rest in peace and sympathies to those who survive him. Class of '66 - FRHS Shelia Broza
December 11, 2013
Condolences to the Zuber family.Wally was a great guy.I always had the utmost respect for him.
Pat Mullin
Lynnda Williams, teacher, and Pam Szabo, sister and former secretary,
Lynnda Williams
December 11, 2013
Mr. Zuber hired me in 1971; later, my sister worked for him in the Central Office. He even attended her wedding to another district teacher! I didn't always agree with him, but you had to respect him, his dedication, his lectures to faculty about their service to students, his no-nonsense approach to discipline in the schools. While I cannot be there to support his family tomorrow, I want them to know that he was a revered educator, making a difference in the lives of students and faculty. And we also knew he loved his family. A great legacy indeed!
Jackie Inge
December 11, 2013
Heartfelt condolences to the Zuber family. He was a delightful & gracious man. I had the honor of attending school when he was principal & later working as a substitute teacher. My prayers go out to his family.
December 10, 2013
rest in peace Mr. Zuber. Was my principal 1967-69 Howell h.s.
Eric Singer
December 10, 2013
One of the most animated and professional basketball officials I had the pleasure to watch! RIP
Terry Dimeo-Mesce
December 10, 2013
Wonderful man and roll model for me in high school. Rest in peace. Terry Mesce
Jim Brennan
December 10, 2013
Walt was a legendary basketball referee, solid college athlete and an all-around great guy. I regret that I am out of town and can't pay the proper respects to this great gentlemen.
Jim Brennan
December 10, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Zuber. You will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Dottie Longo Dochney
Howell High School
Class of 1970
Sharon Sauer Davis
December 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. He was a great principle. Mr Zuner was always fair and a lot of fun
Harvey Mardyks
December 10, 2013
My condolences to the family.
Walt Zuber was my principal at So.Freehold Reg. H.S. 1964-1968.
Barbara Wagner
December 10, 2013
In 1957 I entered freshman history @Freehold High and there stood Mr. Zuber, 56 years later the respect that he gave and earned to all, will live on. My deepest Sympathy to Bunny and Family
John Curcio
December 10, 2013
To the Zuber family, so sorry for your loss!
Bruce Pine
December 10, 2013
I have fond memories of History classes with Mr. Zuber. FRHS class of 1958
susan wilson
December 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. I will always remember Mr. Zuber at all my St.Rose basketball games. He will truly be missed by everyone. May he rest in peace.
Susan Wilson
Allen Berlin
December 10, 2013
I first met Walt in 1956 and, for the next twenty-three years, had the pleasure of working with him in several capacities. He excelled in all that he did and was also a fine human being. His passing leaves a void that will never be filled. He will surely be missed.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Bunny, his children and grandchildren.
Allen Berlin
December 10, 2013
Mr. Zuber touched the lives of the students under his watch in meaningful ways. He will be missed and remembered.
Connie Bugajski Pres. Class of '66 SFRHS
dave macartney
December 10, 2013
to the zuber family it was an honor to work as a basketball official and to be a friend of walter he will be missed dearly
Natalia. A - Alice .Y - Tanya .B Aksenow-Scalley -Yaeger- Voight - Bogajevsky-Voight
December 10, 2013
Our Deepest Sympathy to the Zuber Family. Mr Zuber was our Principal at SFRH. Our Toughts and Prayers are with his Family. We will always remember him as our Principal he was a great Person.
Nick Kulibaba
December 10, 2013
Thank you to the Zuber family for having shared Mr. Zuber's time and devoted energy with so many of us throughout the years. In a time when few of us nurture our roots, he invested himself and placed an indelible imprint on our lives and in the community we called home. May he rest in peace.
December 10, 2013
My Principal.
Rest In Peace
Regina Novak
December 10, 2013
Sincere sympathy to Bunny and the Zuber family. I remember Walt from being a Eucharistic Minister at St. Rose and my husband had him as a referee in high school. May he RIP
Paul Honig
December 10, 2013
A wonderful man who brought out the best in students. He always made one feel that he cared about you and through that inspired you to succeed. He was an advocate for me as my teacher and football coach and I will never forget him.
My sympathies to his wife Bunny and his children and grand children. FRHS 1957
Rich Coleman
December 10, 2013
To the Zuber family my sincere sympathy to you on Walt's passing I was lucky enough to have been touched by Walt. As a young official coming up in the ranks of Board 194 he always took the time to help mentor me and teach me some of his wisdom in dealing with the game of basketball. To say he was well respected is not enough he will always be in all our hearts and minds and we are better for having had him touch our lives. May he rest in peace and may he look down on all of us and keep us safe . God Bless and Thanks Walt.....
Brenda Payne
December 10, 2013
My condolences to the Zuber family. RIP Walt
Frank Guido
December 10, 2013
I have many fond memories of how he would ref our grade school basketball games. He was a great man. Try not to "T" up any of the saints up there in heaven or call Jesus for traveling. I know you are resting safely with God. RIP Mr. Zuber.
joseph gilpin
December 10, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Tom Palguta
December 10, 2013
It was an honor and a privilege to have you ref my son's basketball games during his high school years. You brought much-needed smiles to the sport with your famous calls to the scoring table and kept every game fun for both the players and the fans. Rest in peace, Mr. Zuber.
Michael Tarala
December 10, 2013
My condolences to your family. Mr. Zuber defined professionalism and class; he is a man to look up to.
Dianne Bonner-Lourinia
December 10, 2013
I remember Mr. Zuber well-I graduated in the Class of 1968, the first class to go through all 4 years at SFRHS. He was a no-nonsense, but fair principal, and had a dry sense of humor. My sympathy to his family.
william Lewis
December 10, 2013
To Bunny and the children my sincere sympathy upon the loss of your beloved husband and father. Bill Lewis Phoenixville, PA
December 10, 2013
December 10, 2013
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Walter Zuber for more than two decades as a teacher, guidance counselor, and President of the Freehold Regional High School Education Association. He was a true professional in every sense of the word, and admired by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the Zuber family.
Murray Rubin
Trudy Campanalonga Brian
December 10, 2013
One of many students that had him as our principal of SFRHS 1964-1968 it was a brand new school that opened and was only called SFRHS for those 4 yrs. RIP Mr. Zuber. To his family my condolences.
Victor Igor Wasylczenko
December 10, 2013
Mr. Zuber came into Igor Records on Main St. in Freehold and instantly recognized me. He had thrown me out of SFRHS in my senior year. He asked me if I worked in the store. I told him that I was the owner. He seemed to be surprised and pleased. He invited me to be his guest at a concert they were having at Howell HS. I will always remember him for turning my life around. May all of his family and friends and former students keep found memories of him as I will.
Brett Millering
December 10, 2013
Mr. Zuber was my principal in my freshman year at Freehold Township High School. Was tough which was what I needed then. He was one of the few leaders I had respect for. My sincere condolences to the Zuber family.
Karen (Pushkal) Lanno
December 10, 2013
Mr. Zuber was my principal at Southern Freehold Regional High School (I was in his office often!) So sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zuber Family.
Marci Grabelle
December 10, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the Zuber family. I will always remember Mr. Zuber's sense of humor and love of our youth. I was one of the lucky ones he hired back in 1987 for FRHSD. It was one of the best interviews I have ever had. I am forever indebted to him for giving me the chance to touch the lives of our children. Thank you and may you rest in peace. With sincere condolences...
December 10, 2013
Walt was my (Ray) modern civ history teacher my soph yr. 1952 at Freehold High, his first year out of college. Have kept in touch with he & Bunny over the yrs. He was a great man & will surely be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with Bunny & family.
Ray & Margot Davison
Murrells Inlet, SC
Vince & Sue Matteo
December 10, 2013
A wonderful man. Proud to be part of his "extended" family.
Candy Smith
December 10, 2013
Just one of the many students that had the benefit of having Mr. Zuber as our Principal at SFRHS, will remember him with fondness and send my sympathies to his family, he was a great man, may he rest in peace.
Alan Ettenberg
December 10, 2013
To a great principal, teacher,athelete, community leader but most of all a great person you will be missed. R.I.P.
December 10, 2013
Walt set high standards for himself and others. He led by example and will be missed. My sincere sympathy to Bunny and his entire family.
Matthew Herman
Helen Lermontov
December 10, 2013
Mr Zuber was my principal during the late 60s at Howell High. He was always good to me, even when I got sent to his office. My sympathies to the family. Mr Zuber will be in my thoughts..
Robin Lee Ferrell-Lemesevski
December 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Zuber Family. Walt was a man to look up to and one you deeply respected. He will be missed.
Karen Blaser
December 10, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Zuber family!
Susan Welsh-Daugila
December 10, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the Zuber family. Mr. Zuber was loved by many. We will always remember him for his kindness. <3
Bob Smalser
December 10, 2013
Our best to the family.
Nick & Nancy Tyrpak
December 10, 2013
May He Rest In Peace
Sympathy To His Family
Betty and Bill Bresnahan
December 9, 2013
Walt was First Class in every aspect of life. As a husband, a father, a Christian, a teacher,a ref and a friend.
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