James H. Zettel, 67, of Syracuse, New York passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. 

He was born in Niagara Falls, New York and resided in the Syracuse area  after his family moved to Syracuse in 1980. Jim and Mary DiSolo were married on January 1, 2006 and celebrated their twentieth anniversary this year.

Jim loved all animals, especially his dog, Bella. He embraced nature, walks along the lake with his wife and just sitting in the car with her near the waterfront. He possessed a childlike naivety, always happy to greet neighbors, pet owners and their dogs. He had a fascination with birds, squirrels  and the bats that came out at dusk. He was a loyal Bills fan, enjoyed watching boxing and followed sports in general.

His kindness, generosity and friendliness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. One of the best words to describe him is unforgettable.

Over the past few years of his life Jim expressed a desire to embrace Catholicism. By the grace of God, he converted in the last month of his life. It was a divine gift as was receiving the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick many times. The highlight that brightened Jim’s last days was the con-validation of his and Mary’s marriage at his bedside.

Jim was predeceased by his father, James C. Zettel; his son, Christopher Buell; sister-in-law, Phyllis Anne (DiSolo) Scherbert and his grandniece, Lauren Elizabeth Grady.

He is survived by his wife, Mary DiSolo-Zettel, his mother Carolyn Zettel; his sister, Lisa Zettel Lavin; two nephews, Ryan and Christopher Lavin and grand nephew, Wyatt Lavin. Jim is also survived by another nephew, Willian Wynkoop (Beth Mandyck); grandnephew, Jude Wynkoop; David and Hope Grady (his niece); grandnephews Christopher and Dominic, great nieces, Sarah and Mary, two uncles, Tim (Betty) Zettel, Jeff (Cindy) Zettel and several cousins.

Jim’s wife Mary would like to thank Fathers Kelly and Foley for the wonderful blessings, compassion, guidance and understanding they offered to them as a couple and as individuals. They brought the beauty of the sacraments of the Catholic Church to Jim and Mary during their hour of need.

With much love, gratitude, and appreciation, to my nephew Bill and niece Hope, for all the years they have stood by me, through time you have always been there, you have been my rock.

To Mary’s sister-in-law Lisa, you have let me bend your ear over the years and have been a great emotional support during this time. Thank you.

The family also extends gratitude to the nurses at Saint Jospeh’s Hospital for their dedicated care and comfort in Jim’s time of need.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Pompeii/Saint Peter’s Church, 301 Ash Street Syracuse, NY on May 15th at 10AM. He will be laid to rest at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt, New York. There he will wait for his wife to join him in a shared space, which he always wanted and his wife was honored by. Through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ and the intercession of our Blessed Mother, may he rest in peace.