Stephen Raymond Zerbe

Stephen Zerbe, 55, passed away on January 8, 2026, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

He was married on October 14, 2000, to Debra Diane (Willis) Zerbe, and together they had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, a milestone that reflected Stephen’s deep love, devotion, and lifelong commitment to his wife.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on May 23, 1970, he was the son of D. Raymond and Dianne Rose (Skoraszewski) Zerbe.

Stephen was a 1988 graduate of Holy Name High School, where he was a member of the Holy Name football team and also participated in the high school play. He later graduated in 1996 from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute (PCI) in Pittsburgh. He proudly served his country as a United States Navy Veteran, where he was a member of the Navy Seabees.

Following his graduation from culinary school and his honorable discharge from the Navy, Stephen worked as a chef at the Marriott in Washington, D.C., and later at the Sheraton Hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he served in the catering department. His career reflected his passion for the culinary arts.

Above all, Stephen was a dedicated and proud father to his son, Zachary D. Zerbe, who lives at home and is a student at American University, whom he deeply loved and supported. He was actively involved in Zachary’s life, volunteering as a coach for Mifflin Bronco Youth Football and Mifflin Area Youth Baseball, and faithfully following his son’s track career.

Stephen also volunteered with Relay for Life, where his team was known as “Ohana,” and he was deeply passionate about supporting those navigating cancer diagnoses and standing alongside their families with compassion, strength, and hope.

In addition to his wife, Stephen is survived by his stepsons: Timothy N. Bustos of Riverside, California, and Eric L. Bustos of McAllen, Texas.

Other survivors include two sisters: Karen D., wife of E. Alan DeNunzio of Sinking Spring; and Mary E., wife of Jud J. Firestone of Wyomissing.

Stephen was a proud uncle to several nieces and nephews: Melissa, Elizabeth, Alexander, Annarose, Felicity, and Logan; one great-niece, Clara; and two great-nephews, James and Luke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, 2600 St. Albans Drive, Spring Township. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Burial with Military Honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pennsylvania, at the end of May.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans Making a Difference, c/o Veteran Social Center, 645 N. 6th Street, Reading, PA 19601.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale, is in charge of arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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