Francis Zerr

Francis (Frank) Zerr, 92, of Browns Mills, NJ passed away at home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
He is predeceased by his beloved daughter Michelle, parents John and Tillie Zerr, sister Vickie (Robert) Gengler, sister-in-law Marge Zerr and brother Richard Zerr. He is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Michael, Patrick (Cindy), Joseph and Kevin; his daughter Rose and two grandchildren Jacey and Brian. His brother Robert Zerr and many nieces and nephews.
As a teenager, Frank worked tirelessly on his family farm in Kansas. This strong work ethic followed him throughout his life. He was simple. Never extravagant. Never wanting more than his means. Never wasteful. Never late. Never complained.
As a young man, Frank enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country for 23 years, including deployment to Vietnam. He worked as a structural repair mechanic in the 438th Field Maintenance Squadron. After retiring from the Air Force, he transitioned to working 27 years in Civil Service at McGuire AFB doing the same job. His love of woodwork followed him there. He was asked to create plaques, flag boxes and many other gifts to give to retiring personnel. He enjoyed his military life and all the incredible people he met along the journey.
Even though our dad met my mom on a blind date 65 years ago, their vision was the same. To raise their children to have a good education, a good Catholic foundation of helping those less fortunate, but most importantly, to always take care of each other. Be happy. Be grateful for what you have.
His devotion to his wife was reflected in a photo taken while they were on vacation. It's a picture taken from behind them as they are walking, simply holding hands. That's their life, experiencing everything together.
His devotion to his kids. I had to complete a project for the Bicentennial on field day. My dad said, wake up early and when I come home from work, I will help you. I said, ok. I woke up early, it was still dark out and I heard the door open. There was my dad with an arm full of stuff. He sat next to me on the floor and with those few items we created a Bicentennial kite. With 2 aluminum polls to make the frame, thick red plastic to go over the frame, blue spray paint to spray a Liberty Bell on the front, red white and blue pieces of a rag for the tail. It was awesome. I was so excited. I went to school. He went to bed. As my class was walking to the park, I wanted to run and get there fast, but I knew if I ran and got out of line, I would get whacked by the Nun. So, I contained my excitement. We finally got there. I started running, the kite gently lifted off the ground and was dancing in the sky. Just like the night my dad left this earth, to fly up into the sky with his spirit dancing with joy.
Our dad had many hobbies. He was an amateur photographer, woodworker, and an avid reader. He loved war books. I remember my nephew Brian was 3 years old. He would plop into our dad's lap and our dad would read to him. He would quiz Brian by asking him to name the plane he was reading about. Brian got so good at it; he could have been a consultant to the Secretary of Defense. My dad loved jazz, specifically, saxophonist John Coltrane. He would listen to jazz on his old record player. He loved his Church family and going to breakfast every Sunday after Mass, Mostly, he loved his wife and children. The family would like to thank the hospice staff from Compassus for their kindness and compassion. Their service to our father was greatly appreciated.
Relatives and friends can greet the family on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, from 6-8pm at Moore Funeral Home, 371 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, NJ.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 11am at, St. Ann's Church, 22 Trenton Rd, Browns Mills, NJ.
Interment will follow in Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank's memory to St. Ann's Catholic Church, 22 Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015.
Previous Events
Visitation
JAN 31. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET)
Moore Funeral Home
371 Lakehurst Rd.
Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Mass of Christian Burial
FEB 1. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
St. Ann's Church
22 Trenton Road
Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Graveside Burial
FEB 1. 12:30 PM.
Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Mem. Cem. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Francis, please visit our Tree Store.