Senate Resolution No. 3174

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of Robert J. Zerby Sr., heroic
firefighter, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the
great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good
works of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate
their lives and careers to the service of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death
of those prominent citizens whose lifework and purposeful endeavors have
served to enrich and enhance the quality and character of life for
others in their community and the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of great sorrow and deepest regret that
this Legislative Body records the passing of Robert J. Zerby Sr., former
firefighter, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community;
and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Zerby Sr. of Hamburg, New York, died on Tuesday,
April 21, 2020, at the age of 78; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Zerby Sr. truly loved his family and his
community, serving as a member of the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire
Department for 56 years; committed to his fellow firefighters, he held
the title of Chief and co-founded the Department's Benevolent
Association; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Robert J. Zerby Sr. enjoyed a career in
management for CPA Manufacturing; after his much deserved retirement, he
could often be found working the parts trailer at Holland Speedway; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Zerby Sr. is survived by his wife of 55 years,
the former Mary Lou Volrath; one son, Robert Zerby Jr. (Stephen
Monahan); one daughter, Danae Zerby-Smerka; three grandchildren,
Brittanie, Bryce and Aidan; one great-grandson, Ashton; one sister,
Nancie Zerby Chugg; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a legion of
fellow firefighters who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Robert J. Zerby Sr. truly
served his family with love and wisdom and his community with a
steadfast and unremitting commitment; he will forever be remembered as
an incredible husband, father, and grandfather and for his role as a
mentor to numerous firefighters in not only Hamburg, but New York State
as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Robert J. Zerby Sr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert J. Zerby Sr., heroic firefighter,

distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert J. Zerby Sr.