Zach Schierberl

Zach Schierberl, age 46, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, after a long battle with colon cancer. He died peacefully in his home with his family by his side. He received extensive supportive care from the Hillman Cancer Center and the UPMC Hospice program.

He was born Zachary James Schierberl on March 7, 1977, in Clarion, Pennsylvania. He was the only biological child of his father, Dr. James Schierberl, and the youngest of four children born to his mother, Veronica Barty Schierberl. His three older siblings are Charles Altman and Sheri Altman, both of Erie, and Cari-Ann (Carl) Curriera of Lexington, KY. He was preceded in death by his mother, Veronica in 2012. He is survived by his two daughters, Lillian Faith Schierberl and Bella Grace Schierberl, ages 15 and 12, along with his father and three siblings.

Zach attended St. Andrew Elementary School and graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1995, where he was an outstanding student and highly accomplished wrestler. He studied psychology at Slippery Rock University and Edinboro University, from which he graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. After working for several years as a caseworker for the PA Department of Public Welfare, and other various jobs, Zach enrolled in graduate school and obtained two Masters Degrees from Liberty University in preparation for becoming a spiritual counselor or minister. He then changed directions and returned to the Catholic Church, and has been an active member of St. Jude Parish for the past several years. He recently taught a Bible study course there until he became too ill to continue.

Zach was a Licensed Mental Health Professional and worked as a therapist with the Stairways Behavioral Health organization for many years. His work there was primarily providing home-based services to the severely mentally ill, as a member of the ACT team. He was just beginning preparations for starting his own private practice when his cancer struck in early 2022 and waylaid those plans.

Zach enjoyed a variety of recreational activities throughout his lifetime. In addition to his long involvement in the sport of wrestling, both as a wrestler and part-time assistant coach with St. Andrew Elementary School, he was a professional DJ for several years, and an active follower of mixed martial arts. He also had a strong interest in professional football, and was a long-term fan of the Chicago Bears. He had a passion for writing and authored two separate books of his own. He was an avid reader, mainly pursuing books about psychology and religion. He found great joy and comfort in Bible study and read extensively on the history of religion, the Catholic Church in particular.

He greatly enjoyed spending recreational time with his family and friends, but his two daughters were the primary focus of his life. Zach loved being a father and devoted most of his time and energy throughout his lifetime to raising his girls, Lilly and Bella, which brought him great joy and satisfaction.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Services, Inc., 536 West 10th Street on Friday, December 8th from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2801 West 6th Street, on Saturday, December 9th at 10 am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

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