Joe’s greatest love was for his family. Joe is survived by wife Johanna Zerboni; They celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary in 2021. Their children are Jennifer Staples and Jeff Zerboni. Joe is also survived by three children from his first marriage, Catherine Popovici, Leigh Zerboni, and Joe C. Zerboni. Joe had seven grandchildren.
Joe was born in Santa Monica, CA, and attended Coronado High School (Class of 1960). Joe was recruited to play tennis for Claremont Men’s College (CMC) and Stanford University, earning degrees in Business Economics and Industrial Engineering. Joe worked for IBM for 39 years in sales, management, and executive positions in California and Europe. After retirement in 2004, he joined Vistage, the world’s largest CEO membership organization. After Vistage, Joe continued his work out of his Solana Beach home as owner of EXECTEAM.
Joe was a superstar on the tennis court with an aggressive game inspired by his college coach Ted Ducey. He competed throughout his life, earning many championship trophies and awards. In his later years, Joe competed in the National Senior & Super Senior Father & Son Hardcourt Championships and the La Jolla Tennis Championship Tournament with son Joe Jr., winning the title and a USTA gold ball in 2004.
Joe was a dynamic husband and father. He was well known for his deep voice and laugh, his intelligence, curiosity, energy and zest for life. He was generous and loving to his family and friends. The life of every party, Joe was known for swinging from trees, skinny dipping and tearing up the dance floor. He loved the ocean and lived his life near the beaches of Coronado, Aptos, Nice and Solana Beach. Joe also loved his dogs and is survived by his husky, Kai. Above all, Joe loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. In his retired years, he spent endless hours playing with his youngest grandchild, and debating the meaning of life with the oldest of them.
Joe was a master engineer and had a creative and innovative way of solving just about any problem. No home or yard project was beyond his ability. His favorite motto, “A job begun is half done”, was evidenced by his tireless work on his Solana Beach property.
Joe and Johanna’s immaculately maintained Solana Beach home was often a place of celebration for the large extended family. A private Celebration of Life will be held there on Saturday April 2, 2022. Please contact the family for details.
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