Born into a family of musicians in Ghime-Fget in 1927, Zerkula spent his whole life in the Ghimes region.
After the fall of communism, Zerkula became a much sought after musician at dance houses and folk festivals around Hungary. Accompanied by his wife Regina Fikó on the percussive cello, and his sister-in-law Gizella Pulika, Zerkula performed at Budapest's Palace of Arts, Petőfi Hall and Fonó Music Hall, as well as at the Folk Days festival in Pécs.
One of his most memorable performances was recorded on film by Attila N. Magyar. In the piece, entitle Oldie, Zerkula played with the 82-year-old Mississippi bluesman Big Lucky Carter, who has since died.
Zerkula's last performance was at Budapest's Nyitott Műhely a year ago.
Zerkula was awarded the Master of Folk Art title on August 20, 1997. At the Mediawave festival of 2002, he was awarded the "For Parallel Cultures" prize.
Zerkula will be buried at Lunca de Jos in Transylvania on Friday.
