Theodore A. Zerbe, USAF
January 14, 1942 – June 24, 2016

Theodore A. Zerbe, 74, of 1127 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Sunbury, PA passed away at his home on Friday, June 24, 2016. Ted was born on January 14, 1942 in Sunbury, PA the son of the late Phillip and Anna Mae (Arnold) Zerbe.

Ted graduated from Sunbury High School in 1960. He served in the US Air Force from 1960-1967. He was a Flight Engineer, serving with the Jolly Green Giants Search and Rescue Squadron in Vietnam. After the military he was an independent construction contractor for five years. He then worked at Paulsen Wire Rope until its closing. He then served as Code Enforcement officer in Sunbury. Ted loved his family, and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He also enjoyed squirrel and birdwatching and collecting antiques and Civil War and Military memorabilia.

Ted married his sweetheart Dorothy (Hovenstine) Zerbe on October 25, 1969 and they celebrated forty-six years together. He is also survived by two daughters, Debra and husband William Cawthern of Sunbury, and Tracy and husband Kurt Middernacht of Lewisburg; three grandchildren: Nathan and Adam Cawthern and Allison Middernacht, two sisters Anna Mae Hoeger of Danville and Betty Neidig of Sunbury, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers Paul and Robert Zerbe and two sisters Phyllis Zerbe and Kathryn Hubler.

Friends and family may visit at the David T. Zweier Funeral Home, Inc. 157 Chestnut St. Sunbury, PA on Tuesday June 28, 2016 from 12 pm. to 1:55 pm. with the funeral service at 2 pm. which will be officiated by Rev. Charles Cole. Interment will follow at the Northumberland Memorial Park, Stonington, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to SUN Home Hospice at 64 Duke St. Northumberland, PA17857.

Condolences may be made at davidzweierfuneralhome.com.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

Message from Al Abend
June 26, 2016 9:50 AM
I served with Ted in the Air Force. Both in the USA and overseas. He flew rescue missions in helicopters deep behind enemy lines in both Laos and North Vietnam. Ted help save many shot down pilots. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Sliver Star and a number of Air Medals for his bravery!! I am proud to call him this American Hero my friend!!

Message from Billy Privette
June 26, 2016 8:51 PM
I served with Ted in 1967 in Thailand in the Jolly Green Giants Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Ted exhibited calm under severe fire and enabled missions to be accomplished in short time. That was a critical attribute for a valuable crew member. Ted was a good man.
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Message from James W. Burns, SMSgt. USAF (retired)
June 27, 2016 11:38 AM
My personal, and on behalf of the USAF RotorHeads website group, our condolences to the Zerbe family. Ted was a valued member of our USAF RotorHeads group and of our USAF Helicopter family. We honor him for his service to our country as combat member of the “Jolly Greens”. My ‘Slow Hand Salute’ to Ted. God rest his soul and may God comfort and protect his family.