With deep sadness, we announce that Anthony “Tony” Keith Ziberna, 68, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on October 15, 2024, surrounded by family. We are comforted that he is no longer suffering and is now at peace.

Tony was born on October 14, 1956, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, to Anthony J. Ziberna and the late Millicent Barlek Ziberna. He grew up in the Ambridge, PA area surrounded by a large extended family. Holiday gatherings at his late Aunt Helen Johnson’s were memories that he treasured. Tony attended Quigley High School. Following graduation, he along with several high school classmates went on to Gannon University in Erie, PA where he majored in Chemistry. While there, he met the love of his life, Barbara. He often said those years were some of the best ones of his life, even with all the snow. Following graduation, Tony was accepted to the University of Pittsburgh and majored in Forensic Science.

Upon receiving his Masters degree, he and Barb married and moved to Florida where he began his career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a Crime Lab Analyst. Tony excelled in Mass Spec analysis, which opened a new career opportunity with Finnigan MAT (now Thermo Fisher Scientific) in Cincinnati, Ohio as an instructor at their Institute. His responsibilities increased over the years and expanded into sales management, retiring as Americas Sales Director for Advanced Mass Spectrometry in 2019. His career with Thermo was a very rewarding one and provided him the opportunity to be involved with cutting-edge technology and scientific discovery. It also provided him the ability to travel extensively and to develop relationships with co-workers and customers throughout the world. He especially enjoyed his visits to Bremen, Germany, and the wonderful food and culture of the region.

Tony had a great love of sports. He was a Steelers fan from his youth, though ACC basketball became very special to him following the family’s move to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1993. He enjoyed coaching his sons Brian and Matt through the years at the YMCA and the St. Francis parish basketball league. He had the joy of watching his grandchildren participate in their activities, either in person or by video. He was passionate about reading and always had a book close by, whether at home or when he was traveling. Tony loved having gatherings at the house during the holidays, and he and Barb hosted a dinner each Christmas Eve for family and friends. Our trips to the Outer Banks were such wonderful vacations with everyone gathered under one roof. Those memories will be a treasure for all.

Tony will be forever cherished by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Voyten Ziberna, his sons, Brian (Melissa) Ziberna and Matthew (Emily) Ziberna, his grandchildren Caleigh, Carson, Jack, and Lyla Ziberna, his father, Anthony J. Ziberna, his sister Amy (Nancy Valentage) Ziberna, as well as his extended family and friends.

In December 2023, Tony was hospitalized for an unknown illness that eventually was found to be ALS. This disease took away his ability to breathe, speak, eat, walk, and finally communicate. We are fortunate that he was able to spend the last seven months at home and share precious time with those he loved. This was a blessing from God. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all our friends and neighbors for their overwhelming support throughout Tony’s illness. Tony’s care was managed by Transitions Lifecare of Raleigh, who helped us in endless ways to keep Tony comfortable and to navigate a difficult journey. A special thanks to our nurse Lauren and CNA Monica who treated all of us with such care. Our team of nurses and CNAs from Bayada were with us throughout the seven months and made our dream to have him home a reality.

Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a trusted friend, colleague, and mentor to many. His warmth, sense of humor, and love for his family will forever remain in our hearts.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on October 30th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, with visitation at the church from 10-11 am before the Mass. Immediately following the Mass, there will be a Rite of Inurnment in the Memorial Garden at the church. If you are unable to attend, you can view the Mass through a live stream by clicking this link.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to Ronald McDonald House or Transitions LifeCare.