Adrian Karl "Zip" Zuber

Adrian Karl Zuber, age 77, nicknamed "Zip," passed away on January 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Adrian was born on September 17, 1947, in Lima, Ohio, to Bonnie Alice (McClure) Zuber and Herman Frederick Zuber. On September 28, 1972, he married Natalie Kathryn (Reaman) Zuber who survives in Lima. 

Zip attended Shawnee High school, where he was part of the 1964-65 Shawnee Indians basketball team in Lima, Ohio. He was described as the lone junior in a senior dominated starting lineup. He was awarded a full scholarship to play basketball for Bowling Green State University (BGSU) where he played on the only NCAA team in BGSU’s history. 

He graduated with a BA in Education, including a teaching certificate from BGSU, and went onto attain his MA in Education from University of Dayton. He spent his career teaching and coaching basketball, football, and baseball across the Lima Public School system, starting first at South Middle School, moving to West Middle School, then retiring from teaching at North Middle School in 2003. 

Throughout his 33-year career as a teacher, coach, and counselor in the Public School system, Zip was known as one of the toughest teachers. Yet, he provided numerous kids with structure and discipline they may not have otherwise received. While he had a tough exterior, his heart was always soft for those in need.

While, extremely accomplished on the basketball court and professionally, his biggest and proudest accomplishment was when his wife (Natalie) had his only child, a daughter, Julianne.

Adrian is survived by his wife, Natalie Zuber; a daughter, Julianne (Christopher Kealy) Zuber; two grandchildren, Aidan Walter Kealy and Anya Alice Kealy, of Virginia; a sister, Georgia Seitzler of Lincoln, CA; a niece Allyson Seitzler of San Diego, CA; a nephew Matthew (Ann Ramsey) Seitzler; and a grandniece Autumn of Davis, CA. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Larry Zuber.

Per Adrian’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Entombment of ashes will follow the celebration of life at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers or other tribute items, Adrian’s family is seeking to continue his legacy of service by donating in his memory to the American Lung Association’s smoking cessation programs: https://gofund.me/6d01dd8e

More than 490,000 people die in the United States each year from tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. This makes smoking the leading cause of preventable death in the country.

We hope that Zip’s legacy will help at least one person break the cycle of addiction.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com. 

Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/6d01dd8e