Edward Zerbe

1926 - 2022

ZERBE, Edward of Wesley Chapel, Florida passed peacefully into our Lord's hands on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the age of 96. Ed was born in Reading, PA on July 9, 1926. Ed was the only child of Caroline Gable Zerbe, formerly of Shamokin, PA and Robert Kelly Zerbe of Glenn Mills, PA. After High School in Reading, Ed joined the US Air Force and served on B29 Bombers. He then enrolled in Villanova University, graduating in 1950. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Cecily Swabb Zerbe and predeceased by his daughter, Allison Ellen who died at the early age of seven. Ed and Cecily raised the family in Pennsylvania and then northern New Jersey before settling in Wesley Chapel, later in life. He is survived by four sons, Brennan, 72, and wife Marilyn, who live in Mill Valley, California, Robert, 67, and wife Kathy live on the Delmarva Peninsula in Maryland, Jack, 66, and his spouse Ryan, reside in Omaha, Nebraska, Doug, 65, and wife Valinda who were Ed and Cecily's primary caregivers for several years and live in Dade City, FL. Ed has three grandchildren, Erica, daughter of Bob and Dawn (previously deceased), Gavin and Devon, sons of Brennan and Marilyn. Ed also has two step-grandchildren, Lynn White and Brittany Bronte, who Ed knew well and eight step great-grandchildren. Ed had a remarkable career in Marketing at Scott Paper in Philadelphia, and as a Vice President at Playtex and at Crescent Lilyette, both in New York. He produced several innovative products during his career. He enjoyed tennis, swimming, golf and playing backgammon with his sons and friends in rousing tournaments. He liked green sports cars like his Triumph TR 6 and sailing in Hilton Head on his 32-foot Straight Arrow. Ed loved to read and was an avid history buff. He also enjoyed watching football, fine dining, and dancing with Cecily. Ed was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary daily. He and Cecily attended Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church near Wesley Chapel, FL. Ed was active in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's organization whose principles are Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Knights focus their efforts to raise funds for the underprivileged. Ed was once recognized as the Knight of the Year by his local council #12956 A memorial Mass will be held at Saint Mark the Evangelist, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647. The date has yet to be determined but will most likely be in January 2023. Coastal Cremations-Zeph.