Zygmunt "Ziggy" Szuber

Zygmunt Szuber, 72, of Tequesta, FL passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2025. Zygmunt was born on June 27, 1952 in the town of Ropienka, Poland. In 1965, at age 12, he relocated to the United States with his father and stepmother, not knowing any English. Ziggy attended grade school, as well as mechanics school before enlisting in the United States Air Force. A true patriot, dedicated to serving his adopted country, Ziggy enjoyed a distinguished career in the United States Air Force and the Michigan National Guard. He maintained and flew four different aircraft in his career. On May 5th, 1972, Zig enlisted in the United States Air Force. He attended boot camp at Lackland AFB, in Texas. Following boot camp, he attended Aircraft Maintenance Tech School. Zig started his military career at K.I Sawyer, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. And, in 1973, he would Palace Chase to the Michigan National Guard, where he would finish his decorated career. Ziggy remained enlisted until 1978 when he finished his degree and became a commissioned officer. Becoming a pilot was always Zig’s dream. And, in 1981, nine years after joining the Air Force, that dream came true when he graduated from flight school and became a pilot. Ziggy was a true Selfridge legend- a figure whose name resonated with everyone who stepped foot on base. His presence was unforgettable, and his impact touched all who knew him. He started his officer journey as an Alert Pilot with the 191st Fighter Interceptor Group and quickly obtained a Commander spot in 1987 with the 171st Fighter Squadron. He traveled to air shows, delivering captivating performances that left visitors in awe, ensuring they experienced everything they came for! Numerous thank-you letters from commanders across the country celebrated his dedicated support and extraordinary contributions. In 1996, Zig retired from his 24-year military career as a Major with the Air National Guard. But he continued to fly, embarking on a second career as an American Airlines pilot. And, once Zig established his American Airlines career, he and Barb moved to Florida to begin their lives in paradise. Zig spent the next 30 years flying for American Airlines and retired in 2017. He was a trainer, a leader and most of all a mentor and a friend to hundreds of airmen and patrons. Ziggy and Barb built and enjoyed a beautiful life throughout their 30 years together. In addition to being a real-world traveler, Ziggy’s favorite retirement hobbies were taking the boat to the sandbar and taking his toy cars to car shows. Zig is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his step-children, Andrea (Ryan) Anderson and Ryan (Kaitlyn) Kean; his grandchildren, Brayden Anderson, Cameron Anderson, Easton Anderson and Lucille Kean; his nieces, Asia (Roberto) Waligora and Magdalena (Marek) Zasacka; and, his nephew, Piotrek (Paulina) Szuber; along with his seven great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation will be held at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, in Jupiter, FL, on Saturday, June 7th from 12:45pm -3:00pm and the Memorial Service will begin promptly at 1:00pm. The Memorial Service will be available to livestream- Please use the entire link below to view the livestream: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0ODcyMzE2NjM2NDk4MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made In Ziggy's Memory to the Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983&tribute).

Zygmunt "Ziggy" Szuber

June 27, 1952 - May 14, 2025