Charles D. "Chuck" Zimmerman's Obituary
Charles Diel Zimmerman, known lovingly to all as Chuck, passed away peacefully on July 15th of natural causes at The Nottingham Retirement Community, Jamesville, N.Y. Born on April 15, 1936, in Syracuse, Chuck lived a life defined by quiet devotion, remarkable achievement, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.
Chuck's story began at Christian Brothers Academy, where he distinguished himself as both a scholar and a multi-sport athlete. He earned Second Team All City honors in basketball and baseball during his playing time. But football was always his true passion. Starting at quarterback as a sophomore, Chuck never experienced a loss during his career at CBA. His final season was nothing short of extraordinary, as the team went undefeated and unscored upon. He led the City League in scoring during each of his final two years of play. He was named First Team All-City for three years, Captain of the All-City Team and the All-Upstate squad his senior year and earned a place on the Catholic All-American Team. In recognition of his athletic excellence, Chuck became the first recipient of the Italian American Athletic Club scholarship as the top athlete in Syracuse.
Following his graduation from CBA, Chuck attended Fordham University before returning home to Syracuse University, where he started at quarterback for three seasons. He helped lead the Orangemen to the 1957 Cotton Bowl his sophomore year and the 1959 Orange Bowl his senior year, when he was voted Most Valuable Player, earned All East First Team honors, and received honorable mention All American recognition. During his senior season, Chuck was featured on the October 27, 1958, cover of Sports Illustrated. He was also recognized by SU as the Most Outstanding Athlete of Syracuse University for the 1958-1959 year.
Chuck was inducted into the Lasallian Hall of Fame (CBA) in 2002, The SU Letter Winner of Distinction in 1983, and the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
After graduating from Syracuse University, Chuck served his country in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Syracuse and began a distinguished career with Coopers and Lybrand, which later became PricewaterhouseCoopers. He rose to Partner in 1974 and served his clients with diligence and integrity until his retirement in 1994.
Throughout his professional life, Chuck gave generously of his time to the Syracuse community. He served on the boards of St. Joseph's Hospital, Loretto Geriatric Center, the Syracuse Boys' Club, and the Varsity Club of Syracuse University. He served as Treasurer of the Rosamond Gifford fundraising efforts and remained deeply involved with Bishop Grimes High School, St. Rose of Lima Church, and Lake Shore Yacht and Country Club, where he was a member for over 50 years. And anyone who knew Chuck knew how devoted he was to all things related to SU Athletics and the New York Yankees.
For all his individual accomplishments, Chuck himself would have said that his greatest achievement was his family. He met the love of his life when he was just fifteen years old, and on May 16, 1959, he married Mary Ann Dussing, beginning a partnership that would span sixty-seven years of marriage and seventy-five years of shared life. Chuck was a constant presence at every sporting event, dance recital, and theater presentation his three children and ten grandchildren participated in. He was always "in the stands”. In his later years, every conversation with his children began the same way: "How are the kids?"
Those who knew Chuck will remember a man who was quiet and unassuming despite his extraordinary accomplishments, someone who was genuinely fun to be around. His golf stories with his playing partners were legendary, and his warmth left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Chuck's deep and abiding Christian faith was the foundation upon which he built his life. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church, and his faith guided him in all things. He now rests in the arms of the Lord he served so faithfully.
Chuck was predeceased by his infant daughter, Kristin Anne; he is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Zimmerman; his son, Joseph Zimmerman (Sheila); his daughter, Mary Ficarra; his son, Christopher Zimmerman (Valerie); his ten cherished grandchildren; Laura (Jess), John (Elana), Daniel (Shauna), Melanie (Rob), Erica (Mark), Ryan, Catharine, Olivia, Christian, and Juliette; and one great grand-daughter, Grey Griffin. He is also survived by his and Mary Ann’s beloved companion Lulu.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main St. North Syracuse on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. For all guests who wish to greet the family, a celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at Bellevue Country Club beginning at 1:00 P.M. Private burial will take place in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation of Central New York or a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles D.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles D.?
Share a story where Charles D.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles D. you’ll never forget.
How did Charles D. make you smile?
