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Born to Anna Reuther and George Zuber who immigrated from Germany and settled in Los Angeles. Ed grew up on West 59th Street. His father passed when Ed was only 6 years old and he was raised by his mother.
At Dorsey High School, Ed met the love of his life, his muse and soulmate, Kathy, "The Redhead." Last June they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Their love and commitment to each other and their family was an inspiration.
A USC Trojan fan since childhood, Ed graduated from the university in 1943 with a degree in public administration. After graduating, he joined Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in its sales management training program and rose through the ranks during his 43-year career retiring in
2007 as the Western Regional Director.
Ed elevated Liberty Mutual's western region to prominence and won several awards and accolades for his division's performance and leadership. There was a saying that "what started in California eventually rippled across the rest of the country."
Ed was a passionate leader and mentor to many during his career and kept in close touch with colleagues who became dear friends over the years.
In 1974, Ed moved his family, including his mom, to Moraga, California as part of a job transfer where he planted deep roots in the Bay Area as a resident for the next 46 years.
Realizing there was no baseball program where his son Jon could play locally, Ed founded the Moraga Baseball Association (MBA) in 1977 which still teaches kids the love of the game today. Coach Zuber or "Zube" as he was affectionately known impacted the lives of hundreds of kids through the MBA teaching valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, commitment, a strong work ethic and good sportsmanship.
Off the field, Zube was a leader instilling those same virtues in his employees. While he could be tough, his big bark was often followed by a small bite! While he motivated people to reach their highest potential, he remained fiercely loyal; if you were on Zube's team, you knew he always had your back.
He took great pride in following his players throughout their lives and supporting them in their personal and professional endeavors.
When his son Jon's baseball career took off, there was nothing Ed liked to do more than watch his games and later when Jon coached baseball at UC Berkeley, California, Ed relished his job as the public address announcer at the Cal field. He channeled his inner Vin Scully, emulating the legendary Dodgers announcer, and read up on the stats and personal histories of each player to keep fans engaged and interested.
A committed sports super fan, in the fall Ed would journey south for USC football games, often with his daughter Lynda, where he would connect with friends from childhood. They enjoyed traveling to the Orange Bowl, multiple Rose Bowls, and to Germany to visit family.
In the spring, Ed could be found cheering on the Oakland A's where he loved bringing friends, colleagues, and of course Kathy to spend a few hours at the yard, watching the game but more importantly spending time and swapping stories with those he loved.
A loyal and devoted family man, Ed was proud of his children who he always made time for regardless of what was going on. In later years, his grandchildren, Madison and Tatum, were the great joys of his life. He loved picking them up from school, cheering them on from the sidelines while they played sports, seeing the world through their eyes as they traveled to Disneyland, Hawaii and Mammoth together.
He was a giant to many, a legend to some, and will hold a special place in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, Ed would have wanted you to raise a glass, make a toast and share your favorite memory of time spent with him.
A celebration of his life will be planned post-COVID.
FIGHT ON!!
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA