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James Zappala Obituary
James Robert Zappala
Nov. 30, 1952 - Nov. 20, 2021
CATO - James Robert Zappala born in Oswego, NY November 30, 1952 passed away peacefully November 20, 2021 with his family at his side.
Jim was a graduate from Oswego High School in 1971 and went off to Canton ATC until he was drafted.
He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Cathy (Jones); and their two children: Kimberly (Ken) Fox, of Oswego, Cory (Elizabeth) Zappala of Cato; grandchildren: Ryan and Ashley Fox of Oswego and Eli Zappala; he is survived by his father Samuel Zappala of Oswego; and his siblings: Connie (Dana) Decker of Fayetteville, Debbie (Ron) Ahart of Oswego, Diane (Richard ) Ferguson of Oswego, Sam Zappala and David (Alla) Zappala both of Oswego and Christine Tuzzolino of Massapequa NY; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his beloved mother Genevieve (Cerklewich) Zappala January of 2020.
Jim spent the majority of his life running Zappala Farms, LLC, growing onions, lettuce and potatoes, a good part of that with his father and Uncle John. He was a good caretaker of the land and was quite innovative in the onion growing business, always thinking ahead of the curve. He was the first in the northeastern United States to commercially grow a sweet onion, he was very proud of his "Empire Sweets". He designed and built the first 4-wheel drive self-propelled onion harvester. He shared his wife's love for horses, together they owned Z-Ridge Farms on Middle Rd. in Scriba, until 1983. He enjoyed going to Otter Creek for trail rides and accompanying her to many Dressage Shows. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time in the woods with his son Cory, when the season began. He developed a deep love for woodworking, spending countless hours in his wood shop during his final years.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Cato. Jim's faithful and life-saving dog "Abagail" still waits for him to come home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CIMAC Ambulance Service, 2496 W. Main St., Cato, NY 13033.
Calling hours will be Friday, November 26, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Cato, a Catholic funeral mass will take place Saturday, 11:00 at the St. Patrick's Church, Cato, with burial to follow at the Cato Union Cemetery.
Memories and Condolences
for James Zappala
Sponsored by Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Service - Cato.
Suzanne (Zappala) Riciputo
December 1, 2021
Dear Cathy:
So sorry to hear of cousin Jimmy's passing. We were unable to attend the services for we are out of the country.
You're strength & devotion spoke volumes over the past decade as his health declined. Now that he is at peace, please take the time to focus on yourself.
Susan Moore
November 30, 2021
Corey, so sorry to hear about your dad. He is no longer in pain. Try to remember the good times. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts at this time.
ROBERT FRAGALE
November 28, 2021
God bless to the zappala family as he will be missed. I remember like it was yesterday planting when the snow was coming down and my God the muck dirt that I took home was just crazy. My prayers go out to you all.
Anna Scott
November 26, 2021
I was fortunate to have met Mr Zappalla recently at the wood shop. He brightened my day with his enthusiasm and creativity.
I’ll miss having him here and treasure his style and craftsmanship in woodworking.
Love and Blessings to the Zappalla family!
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Michael H. Chapman
November 25, 2021
It was always a pleasure to have Jim stop by with his dog as copilot. And some education was gathered along with a few laughs at the world.
Douglas Fenton
November 25, 2021
Cathy---I am so sorry to read of Jim's passing . Jim was an honest and smart businessman and I will always remember that when I think of him. I enjoyed visiting him and an seeing you at the Cato farm asking his needs for drainage pipe.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Doug Fenton, ADS Retired
Joe Colella
November 24, 2021
Thank you for your service.
Marian Bischof
November 24, 2021
Cathy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ll truly miss talking to him at family gatherings. He was a wonderful person. He is in my prayers and thoughts.
JoAnn Sheffield
November 24, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I’m so very sorry, prayers .
Patty Clare McCurdy
November 24, 2021
Dear Cathy,
My heart is with you and your family. I remember meeting Jim in 1972 on our dormitory floor. He was a handsome young man in love with you.
Sadly, I am unable to be with you at the wake or the funeral service. We will have a time together soon to share our memories
David Durocher
November 24, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I still remember going to the "Muck" Farms, my first job when Jim & I were growing up, hard work for me. We only lived a few streets from each other. The last time I saw Jim was when I went to visit my Brother Rick in Red Creek/Fair Haven, we went to the Farm and he showed me the Machines he designed to Harvest their products. May He rest in peace. Gods Blessings to his family
Joe and nancy Kidd
November 23, 2021
Joe and I were so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this trying time. So sorry for your loss, from the Kidd family.
Terry Glerum Finn
November 23, 2021
My deepest sympathy, God bless.
Brenda
November 23, 2021
Jim was an awesome guy! Proud to call him my friend! When he came to DMV he always had a smile and a stack of renewals! When you get to them he would say with a smile! He is another member of the class of 1971 gone to soon! Only the good die young! Jim was definitely one of the good guys! My heart goes out to his wife and his family. He will be missed by many. RIP Jim! Hugs and prayers !
Buzz Barr
November 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed talking to him.
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Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Service - Cato11362 South St., Cato, NY 13033
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Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Service - Cato11362 South St., Cato, NY 13033
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