Alan Joseph Zerba, a resident of Pasco, Washington, passed away on March 1st, 2026 at the age of 77 due to complications of a long-term illness.

Born premature (4 lbs, 3 oz) on November 2, 1948, at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla,

Washington, he was the son of Lydia Anne Zerba and Theodore Zerba Sr. Alan received his

middle name, "Joseph," in honor of Sister Joseph, the nurse who cared for him at birth.

The family later moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, during his third year at Roosevelt Elementary.

While living there, Alan excelled as a trumpet player throughout his time at Coeur d'Alene High

School, graduating in 1967. In 1971, he briefly studied photography at the School of Modern

Photography before enlisting in the Army Reserve, where he completed basic training as an

Advanced Individual Trainee.

In May 1972, Alan transferred to the U.S. Air Force in Great Falls, Montana (off base from

Malmstrom Air Force Base) and pursued a degree in Sociology and Psychology at the University

of Great Falls. He became a skilled Precision Processor with knowledge in Combat Photography.

During his military service, he was stationed at several locations including Aviano, Italy (twice);

Kansas City, Kansas; and Moreno Valley, California. He retired in 1992 as a Technical Sergeant

with high-level security clearance in the Photography Unit.

After retirement, Alan continued his education at Idaho State University in Pocatello, aiming to

earn a degree in Special Education. He was a familiar face at the Veterans Center, where he often

played taps at Memorial Day events and fallen veteran ceremonies.

In 1994, Alan moved to Pendleton, Oregon, and began working as an ATM technician for

Diebold Inc. This chapter of his life led him to meet his future wife, Ivy, whom he married in

July 2007. Through their union, he gained a stepdaughter, Kristylle. Alan remained active in his

community by volunteering with the local Veterans Clients Counseling Center.

We are thankful for the wonderful staff at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy for their

compassionate care and devotion. We are also thankful for Alan's caregivers from

Affordable At Homecare.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother (at birth); his parents, Lydia Anne Pielaet-Zerba

and Theodore Zerba Sr; his adopted son, Daniel Zerba; his brother, Theodore Zerba; and his

sister, Peggy Stamm.

Alan is survived by his wife, Ivy Zerba; his stepdaughter, Kristylle Salvador; his adopted son,

Brian Zerba; his sister, Carrie Pielaet-Kelly, and her husband, Mike Kelly; as well as several

grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Alan gave selflessly throughout his life, rooted in a strong devotion to God and an unwavering

belief in the importance of family. He was a loving husband and father, someone who always

sought the good in others and appreciated their efforts. His life was a quiet testament to dignity,

kindness, and integrity-an honorable example of the kind of man we should all strive to be.