Donald J. Zoeller

Donald Zoeller passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 95. Donald accomplished many great things during his life. At the age of 22, he served in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant. Upon coming home, he enrolled in Fordham Law School and then enjoyed a long and successful career as a corporate litigation attorney in New York City, rising through the ranks to become head of his firm. In the 1980s, Donald argued and won a pivotal antitrust case before the United States Supreme Court, the highlight of his career. This resulted in a sea change in the way the law views corporate conspiracies in antitrust cases. Law students continue to learn from this seminal case.

Don's greatest joy was spending time with his family, whom he adored. He married the love of his life, "his lady," Susan, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past September. Don was so taken with Sue that he proposed to her after a mere six weeks of dating. His spontaneous nature led to many adventures, such as impromptu trips to amusement parks and visiting "Charlie Seagull" at Jones Beach, much to the delight of Don and Sue's three children. While he could not carry a tune, Don loved music, especially the sound of his beautiful wife's lyrical soprano voice. He was the impetus behind the many sing-alongs at the family's player piano. Don loved to travel. He especially enjoyed his many trips to Japan and organizing family vacations to ski lodges and Caribbean resorts. Don also had a humorous side. He was always quick with a joke or a pun.

In addition to Sue, Don is survived by his three adult children and their spouses, Paul Zoeller and his wife Linda, Jean Cavaliere and her husband John, Diane Zoeller and her husband Leonard Foy. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Don will be remembered for his remarkable attitude toward life. A perpetual optimist, he remained loving, happy, and grateful until the end —a true inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. As Don said so many times, "I've had a lucky life."

Donations in Donald's name to Alzheimers Association Long Island Chapter at 300 Broadhollow Rd. Suite LL 100 in Melville, New York 11747, would be greatly appreciated.

Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday March 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. St. Dominic's RC Church, Oyster Bay.