Obituary of Brian Keith Ziegler

Brian K. Ziegler (age 66) of Boonton, NJ, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022, of pancreatic cancer. 

Born to Robert and Gloria Ziegler, Brian was raised in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, NJ where his love of the outdoors began.  

Brian's success in the prescription eyeglass lens manufacturing industry was legendary. He ran his own business, Tri-Lite Optics, in West Paterson, NJ for more than two decades. Brian was a valued and integral part of other optical laboratories including Nova Optical Lab in Orangeburg, NY.  Most recently, he was employed as the Director of Laboratories for Warby Parker in Sloatsburg, NY.

Brian was beloved by many of his peers throughout his career for his endless passion and enthusiasm for all things optical. He was incredibly driven and enthusiastic about new challenges, constantly looking for new ways to improve and grow. He will be dearly missed by the many who were privileged to work with him.

Brian was committed to his career, but it was only a portion of his life. Above all else, he was devoted to his family.

Brian was introduced to his wife, Beth Ann Cochran, by his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Leslie Ziegler, in Huntington, NY. Brian and Beth happily settled in Morris County, NJ, where they raised their children.

Brian's love of the outdoors continued throughout his life. He spent countless hours fly fishing and spey fishing in the fresh rivers of Upstate NY and British Columbia, Canada. He was a skilled fisherman, often tying his own flies, and braved the most remote locations year after year with good friends. 

Although incredibly skilled (at what seemed to be everything) Brian was extremely modest. He never brought much attention to his accomplishments, so let's highlight a few for him.  

Brian was an exceptionally skilled skeet shooter. He shared a National Skeet Shooting Association Certificate of World Record Achievement with a dear friend when they tied a World Record by shooting  200 X 200 in the 20 Gauge Two-Man Team Event at a New Jersey State Shoot. At another competition he shot a 399 out of 400, missing “that damn 362nd target.”

While practicing archery, he shot a “Robin Hood" by splitting an arrow down the middle with another arrow. More recently, he enjoyed sporting clays with his brother and close friends.

Brian had an irresistible smile and naturally drew people to him with his positive, fun, and energetic personality. He was loved by all who knew him. His humility, love, and legacy are sure to live on in those that knew him best.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Beth Ziegler; his children, Karen M. Ziegler-Perry, Keith N. Ziegler, Kevin R. Ziegler, and Rachel J. Ziegler; his beloved granddaughter, Violet Elizabeth; his sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Mike Eytcheson; his brother and sister-in-law, Glenn Ziegler and Janet Poole; his sister-in-law, Leslie Ziegler; his brother-in law and sister-in-law, Scott and Debbie Cochran, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Scott L. Ziegler, Sr. and his parents, Robert K. Ziegler and Gloria Ziegler Childs.  

We will miss him every day but are thankful for the years we had together.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 13, 2023, from 3-7 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s memory to Cancer Response Team would be an appreciated by the family. Cancer Response Team is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children get supportive cancer care. www.cancerresponseteam.org