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BORN
1948
DIED
2023
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Charles Zerzan Obituary
November 14, 1948 - September 23, 2023
Charles Joseph Zerzan (Joe) was born on November 14, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the eldest of 12 siblings and lived throughout the US before settling down in the San Francisco Bay Area with the love of his life, Alicia Zerzan.
Joe was a natural leader, who applied hard-work, determination, and a sense of humor to everything he did. He started out as a lineman for a phone company before joining the railroad industry and becoming a senior signal manager at Southern Pacific Railroad. In this capacity, he developed and implemented several safety projects that became widely used across the nation. He also mentored countless younger workers who valued his humor, grit, and technical skills. He taught all who knew him to never give up and was fond of saying, "You may not be the smartest, but you can work the hardest."
Joe was an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast who found time to hike and camp in numerous parks and wilderness areas. He accomplished his goal of visiting every National Park in California and along the west coast; he even hiked the Grand Canyon with two hurt knees. Joe was a big sports fan and advocate for women athletes, and he found great joy in coaching his children's sports teams. He loved his children dearly and would beam when talking about their accomplishments.
Joe is survived by his children Dr. Jessica Zerzan, Nick Zerzan, Carlos Zerzan, and Amanda Zerzan; and his six grandchildren Rex, Charlie, Eleanor, Jack, Alicia and Townes.
His funeral service will be held on October 19 at 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Church in Fairfield, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Zerzan
Sponsored by Bryan-Braker Funeral Home.
Steve McEvoy
November 18, 2023
I worked with Joe for a number of years while we were both working for Caltrain and Metrolink. He was a wonderful man and a great railroader.
Steve McEvoy
Van Fayler
October 18, 2023
Joe was my mentor and best person that I have worked for over the years. He truly cared about both the work that we were doing and the people around us. He always set the example of going above and beyond on any task that he took on. The signal industry and me personally feel the loss of this leader and friend.
Liz Armas
October 17, 2023
Joe was an amazing mentor - as mentioned, he enjoyed taking the next generation of railroad workers under his wing and teach them. He was of great support and knowledge as a newbie to the railroad industry. Most of all he demonstrated the joy he had in teaching and sharing his knowledge with whoever wanted to learn or know. Always very professional and friendly. If the opportunity arose, he spoke of his family with lots of love, pride and joy.
He will be missed.
Jennifer Krips
October 5, 2023
I was honored to work with Joe at RailPros. He was a tremendous asset to the firm, and he left a big Joe-shaped hole when he retired. My sincerest condolences to the family. He will be missed.
John T Moore
October 5, 2023
I am very fortunate to count myself among the many younger workers that Joe mentored! My memories of working with Joe are all good ones and I am better at my job and at life for having known Joe!
Rest in Peace Joe - you have certainly earned it!!
John Inderelst
October 3, 2023
Rest in peace my friend! My head is full of warm thoughts and memories of you. I think of our personal, professional and technical conversations, of our signal cutovers together and of our times together in beautiful Utah all with admiration for your strength, determination, kindness, skill and your keen sense of humor. I was Blessed to know you and will think of you fondly forever.
John
Walter Carter
September 28, 2023
Sincere condolences to his family and friends. I had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with Joe. A vast knowledge of Railroad Signaling has been silenced. He was my mentor, a wonderful teacher and most of all a close friend. He will be greatly missed.
Bob Walker
September 27, 2023
Joe was a client, co-worker, mentor and friend to many in the railroad signaling industry. I learned so very much from him, both technically and interpersonally. He will be missed.
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