I didn't learn of Joe's very untimely demise until just recently, as I have not lived in Maryland for over 18 years. I was a student at BIM from Sept 85 to late Jan 86.  Mister Z succeeded Murphy as Dean of Students in December of 85, and my memories of him are truly wonderful. Joe was a truly wonderful guy with a terrific sense of humor, in addition to being a truly fun and excellent teacher. I regret the fact that I did not keep in touch with him over the years, and I never did meet his wonderful spouse. May you rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten.

Took our kids to the Reading WWII weekend several years ago even though they really did not want to go. They ended up enjoying the show and the main reason was the Abbott and Costello show!!! Now they cannot wait for it to come back to Reading each year. I remember my father watching the real Abbott and Costello and these guys were awesome !!! My kids were laughing pretty much the whole time they performed, along with my wife and myself of course !!!  We are headed to the WWII show in a couple of days and I just saw the news on the website. I'm sure we will still have a good time at the WWII event but it will not be the same without him on that comedy team!!! He will be deeply missed !!! God Bless !!!

I just heard of Joe's passing thru the Reading WW2 airshow site.  My wife and I both enjoyed the Abbott and Costello routines at the show.  Portraying the classic humor of Lou Costello with such authenticity and charm was truly a gift.  I will miss that.

I met Joe & Bill @ the WW2 air show in Reading PA. About 10 years ago. I would go out of my way every year to find them & catch there show.Then spend a few minutes talking with them.They were always warm & receptive. I would joke with them & say, how come you guys haven`t made a movie yet? & they would laugh & say Hollywood hasn`t called us. Every year we would pick up right where we left off. Joe was the kind of guy you met once, & when you walked away you felt that you knew him all your life. He will be missed. I`ll be looking for him this year, he won`t be there, & yet he will be.      TJW.

What a great guy Joe was. He will be missed at every Monster Bash, for many years to come. A funny man and a true friend, our whole family loved him.

Karl Spisak, Cathy, Autumn & grandkids

Joe,

I remember the first time I ever saw you (even before we met).  I walked out of the door on the second floor of one of the buildings in the "French Village" at the Reading Air Show.  I instantly recognized you as Lou Costello and we exchanged joking remarks.

Over the years, I not only considered you a reenacting acquaintance, but also a friend.  Of course, one of my favorite "private jokes" was the one about Bill's trip to the Alamo and I share it still today.

As I said to Sherry at the memorial, the thing that occurs to me about your loss is the effect you had on peoples' lives.  When folks like you leave a wake of laughs and smiles, you actually change their lives in the process in a physical way.  

You accomplished your mission here on Earth by leaving it a better place because of you.

You will NOT be forgotten.

Jeanne-Marie,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Joe , You influenced me in more ways than anyone will ever know.  Thank you for being a great friend, mentor and teacher. You were a special part of my wedding day. I'll never forget you. Until we meet again..

Sherry, so sorry for your loss.  "Mr. Z" was an instructor when I attended BIM.  He quickly became a class favorite!  He also DJ'd our wedding 27 years ago.  Small in statue, but larger than life personality!  Joe is one of those people you never forget.  His smile, laughter, and character will sorely be missed.  Heaven has gained one special angel.  RIP Joe....

The world has lost a rare and precious gem of a man who can never be replaced.

It was with shock and great sadness that I learned of Joe's passing.  Deepest sympathies to Sherry.  I got to spend some time with Joe and Sherry while in high school.  I enjoyed seeing them both on stage at CHC events, doing fabulous comedy sketches.  Joe would do almost anything to make someone laugh.  I have fond memories of him and feel sad that his bright light shines elsewhere.

In learning that the heavens called you home I have to say my first thoughts where of my own selfishness... that we all still needed you here Joe!! I resolved not to accept that the world I knew would be from this point without you and I am still having difficulties beveling it. I realized that I never got a chance to tell you just how much your support, pep talks and seeing the love you and sherry have for one another pulled me through and encouraged me through out our friendship. And was touched that you considered me to be one of your kids. To think that someone who brought so much love, joy laughter and optimism to all whom ever met you or had the privilege to be in the audience of an ultimate (and I do mean hands down bar none ULTIMATE)Abbott and Costello Tribute show; would think so much of me, I could not be held in any higher regards than that. It was Phoenix who told me that Joe left so much joy and happiness everywhere he went that I should fill my heart with the powerful energy that was left behind and has grown from that we were on face book reading the hundreds of comments and tributes left to you and he went on to say "see mom even those who knew for just a second walked away happier and carry that light and memory with them." He is absolutely correct and I know you would be fussing at me if I was all wishy washy and down trodden. Since you are up with the big guy now I expect the sun in the heavens to be a lot brighter and when it rains I will know those are tears of laughter from your last performance keeping everyone up there in stitches. So I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places and  I'll take that advice from Bill at the end of your shows and live as long as I want and never want for as long as I live. To Sherry, Bill, Jason, Tyler, and Shotzie If you need anything I am a phone call away.

So, very, sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. I worked with him; he was a friend. Always had a smile on his face.RIP, Bro. 
Richard Trueheart

On behalf of myself and all of us at The Army Air Forces Historical Association who had the please of working with Joe over the years at the Reading WWII Weekend and the Greenwood Lake Airshow in N.J., our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry, family and friends.
Joe was a true treasure and he embraced us with joy and laughter. His dedication and passion inspired us all and his own legacy, like that of Lou's, will always live on in our hearts.
Folded wings, Joe, and a special thanks for the dear and sweet memories ....

Sherry,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

You will be sadly missed by all your friends and your families and those in your travels. You made us all smile and laugh. Peace to you friend.Great pleasure meeting you.

Joe it was great to know you.  You were a fantastic entertainer and had a gift to make everyone laugh.  You will be greatly missed.

I met joe and his partner at the world war 2 weekend show. I am a reenactor at the show.  The day l met him he and the rest of his act where making rounds at each encampment to vist and to say hello. My wife and daughter only got to meet him last year. He was a very kind person who would light up a room with his smile. He will be missed very much. God bless his family and friends.

Will miss you at Reading! You were Great!!

Sherry, Andy and I are heartbroken over the news of Joe's passing.  He always welcomed us with open arms going out of his way to greet us, even during his performance.  We will miss seeing him and Bill.  They never failed to make us laugh.  We enjoyed meeting you that day and our 3-hour lunch sharing good stories and just enjoying each other's company.  Joe was a great guy always putting others ahead of himself.  We are thankful every day to have met you both.

I am deeply saddened by this news.  He was the consummate entertainer who delivered a million smiles each and every time he performed.  "Who's on first?"  You are, sir; you are.

Stacy and I are deeply heartbroken of your passing. Your eyes may be closed; ours have not ceased to cry.

Way the God of comfort be with family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God love and care for you.

It's hard to think of my friend of 35 years being gone. He was such a unique person. There was always laughter and fun when Joe was invloved. We were part of the Admin at BIM together and I loved seeing the lunches Sherry made for him, such as green colored tuna fish on St. Patrick's day. Joe and Sherry live around the block from my Brother and the decorations for each holiday, even the rather obscure ones, were always a sight to see. After not seeing each other for years, Joe and Bill started coming to Las Vegas for a convention every December a several years ago and because of Joe's warm personality, it was as if we saw each other every week.
There's less laughter in the world today, but I'm sure Joe has them laughing in his new place. Sherry, I'm so sorry for your loss.

My wife and I had the great honor of meeting Joe and his fantastic partner Bill at Monster Bash and over the years we became friends. I remember how open and friendly they were, Joe and I would talk about our fur babies and I became so enthralled by them I often was tempted to ask what was it like to work with Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff they were that good. A wonderful soul has left us all. Rest in peace Joe and know you touched our lives with love and laughter. Jim and Gloria Baals, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monster Bash Pals.

My wife and I are so sorry for your loss. We looked forward to talking with Joe and Bill every year at the WW2 Show in Reading, PA. It was one of the highlights of the year. We cannot imagine not seeing him again. He was a great man with a great heart.

My condolences to the Ziegler family at this time of loss. I had the privilege of watching Joe perform many times at the Monster Bash conventions. He must be having a great time with Bud and Lou. This is a great loss to us all. May God Bless you.

We are so very sorry to hear about this loss.  

Joe was a good friend and will be missed.

Joe, we weren't ready for you to leave us. We were not ready for the laughter to stop so abruptly. I Can Only Imagine all of the beautiful souls that you have adored all of your life welcoming  you.  Oh the laughter you are spreading up there. I will never find anybody who I can share all of my I Love Lucy- ism's with. So much love sent to you Sherry and the rest of Joe's friends and family.

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and hope in God's Word the Bible during this most difficult time.

I am so sorry to hear about this.  My condolences to Joe's family.  I was also a teacher at BIM and always appreciated his sense of humor and professionalism.

Uncle Joe as he insisted we call him, was one in a million. We first met Joe in 2014 at Monster Bash. He was waiting for the main room to be opened to prep for The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show, as we were standing and waiting next to him. We began to talk which turned into a long conversation, leading to him asking our names and afterwards, finding us on Facebook and texting us. We kept in constant touch, and the following year met up again at the annual Bash. We got to spend more and more time with him at each Bash we attended and got to know Joe more and more. He told us so many stories that made us laugh so much we cried. Spending time with him, being his friend, and receiving so much love, support, encouragement from this man is just a true blessing. We miss him and love him very much and we know he knew that and know he loved and cared a lot about us. Rest in peace Uncle Joe. We will see you again. <3

Oh Joe, you were such a special person. Remembering those days when you were Rick's student at CHC. Thank you.

Sherry, My deepest condolences and sympathies to you. I went to BIM with Joe in 1980, and kept in touch with him and our other classmates on Facebook.  God bless you in this time of sadness. I will miss him, too.

Joe was a great entertainer & person. He always had time to speak with me at the many events I saw him at. We would talk & laugh for the longest time. I will miss him.  My condolences go out to all of his family & friends.

Sincere condolences to the family and friends

JOE WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND. HE WAS ALWAYS A FAVORITE FRIEND IN MY CLASS. HE WAS ALWAYS HAPPY AND ALWAYS LAUGHING. HE WOULD MAKE ME LAUGH AND I WOULD MAKE HIM LAUGH. HE WAS ALWAYS ALOT OF FUN TO BE WITH. A VERY LOVING CARING HIGH CLASS GENTLEMAN. JOE WAS JUST ONE OF MY VERY BEST FRIENDS I HAD IN CLASS. I WILL MISS HIM.  I WENT TO THE BROADCASTING INSTITUTE OF MARYLAND I WAS A SPORTS MAJOR DAY CLASS 1980. FROM JOE ZEIGLER FRIEND FROM BIM. STEVE YOUNG BALTIMORE MARYLAND BROADCASTING INSTITUTE OF MARYLAND CLASSMATE STEVE YOUNG. BIM DAY CLASS 1980.

Sherry,

I am so sorry for your loss.  I will continue to cherish every moment that I spent with Joe since meeting him in the spring of 1977.  Memories abound: Club basement parties with slow dancing and Doritos; Backyard BBQ's with CHC guys smoking pretzel rods; Guy Lombardo and Spike Jones on New Year's Eve; Laughing over Yeti and Bigfoot....Our "70's Gang" is truly blessed for having known both of you. Please know how much we love you and that we are here for you.

XOXO, 
Carla Johnson

Hi Sherry,
I was a student of Mr. Z's at BIM in 1992.  He was one of my favorite teachers ever!  He always had a smile on his face and made me smile too.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  God bless you !

A great performer. Saw him many times at the Monster Bash and planned to see him next year at the 20th Anniversary of the event. 

My son, Dalton (then only age 10), and I first saw him perform in 2002,
and we have enjoyed his wonderful talent again and again.

Phil Smoot

I was a lost 18 year old country girl when Joe came into my life,  thru his guidance I got to know and love Baltimore City.  There were days that I would sit in his back office at BIM and just cry from being homesick but he always snapped me out of it. I have so many cherished memories of Joe but my favorite has to be of the time he had me dress up as an elf and visit some of the inner-city youth centers to hand out gifts to kids. The joy on both the kids and Joe's faces will never be forgotten.  Joe was just a big kid himself and I think that's why everyone he ever met loved him so much!

I always remember Joe as a man with so much happiness.  He lit up the room with his smile.  Now he is smiling down from Heaven.  I am sorry for you loss.  I will pray for you all.

I had the chance several times to hear his wonderful routine. Close the eyes and it could have been the real Bud Costello. This man will be deeply missed. 
From the Harbor Defenses of the Delaware Living history association, prayers are coming your way!!
To the family, we are all extremely sorry for your loss.

Sherry, sorry to heard the news about Joe. I am a member of the Victory Society and will miss not hearing him at the World War II event that is held at the reading Airport.  Always made you laugh and made you feel great inside.   
Rich Hartung

Sherry, Cindy and I are so sad and heartbroken over the news of Joe's passing. He was kind, gentle and loving man and so friendly, happy and yes...funny!  He was a gift to all who knew him and to the thousands of people he performed for.  May God comfort and bless you, your family and his loved ones in this time of sorrow and loss.  Rest now Joe, in God's loving care...
Frank (Sings Frank) and Cindy Cubillo...  Virginia Beach, VA

Sherry, so sorry for your loss. Joe is definitely making all the Angels smile. He will be missed.

I was very sad to hear that Joe passed away.  I always enjoyed his Abbott & Costello act, especially when they would come to Monsterbash.  I'm sure the whole Monsterbash family will miss Joe.  As I told him last time I saw him, this past July, he was funnier than the real Lou Costello.

OBITUARY

Joseph Marion Ziegler III

May 25, 1961 – September 24, 2016

Schimunek Funeral Home

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