Obituary of Christopher A. Zerby

Obituary of Lt. Christopher A. Zerby Robbinsville, NJ Lt. Christopher A. Zerby died tragically and suddenly in an automobile accident in North Brunswick on Tuesday morning, August 12, 2008. He was 41. The dedicated son of Donald and Sara Sally Zerby, Chris was born in New Brunswick and raised in North Brunswick where he graduated from high school in 1985. His strong work ethic began early in his life. He started a paper route as a young boy. Many local residents may best remember Chris as the friendly face behind the counter making pizzas at Ninos Pizzeria in North Brunswick where he worked from the age of 13 with his lifelong friend Tony Bellavia. In 1991 he left the pizzeria to pursue his dream of a career in law enforcement. Chris graduated from Middlesex County Police Academy in 1992 and began his career with the Middlesex County Park Police where he served as an officer. From there, Chris became an officer with the North Brunswick Police Department in 1993 where he rose quickly through the ranks. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2001 and to Lieutenant in 2005; most recently serving as Bureau Commander of the Traffic Safety Division. He was deeply committed to his career in law enforcement, exemplifying the highest levels of professionalism in dealings with his peers, supervisors and the public he served. He had received several Department awards and commendations. Chris can best be described as the Go To guy. He was the friend who would happily help you in a pinch; a warm and generous man who truly enjoyed helping others. An upstanding man who lived the values of loyalty, trustworthiness, and dedication, he was a solid, steady and loving force in his family and abundant circle of friends. Chris met Christine Hermann of Edison during their teenage years and they were married in 1993. Initially the couple resided in Milltown before moving to Robbinsville in 1999 where they started their family. A proud and hands on father, Chris loved the times with his boys, Tyler and Trevor, and his wife Christine. He most enjoyed spending time with family, maintaining his home and entertaining friends with many great barbeques and swim parties. A beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, those of us whose lives Chris touched will forever be proud to have known and loved him. In addition to his wife, two sons and parents he is survived by his sister Kathy Horvath and her husband Ernie of Griggstown; his father-in-law Richard Hermann of Barnegat; his sister-in-law Renee McCaffrey and her husband Michael of Manlius, New York; his nephews and nieces - Steven, Michael and Hayley Horvath and Sophia McCaffrey; and many close friends and fellow police officers. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday from Selover Funeral Home, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick followed by an 11:00 AM Mass at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church in North Brunswick. Entombment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home Friday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to PBA Local #160, P.O. Box 7245, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 for a fund in to be established in Chris Zerbys memory.