Kenneth Dale Zeitler

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Kenneth Dale Zeitler, beloved oncologist and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother on November 13, 2024, after a three-decade battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.

Ken was born in Malden, Massachusetts, the son of the late Dr. Sidney Zeitler and Alma Zeitler. He attended high school at Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine, where he excelled in both his athletic and academic pursuits. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia College and obtained his medical degree at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed residency in Boston followed by his fellowship at UNC-Chapel Hill where he fell in love with the Triangle which would ultimately become his home. Like his physician father whom he tirelessly strove to purposefully emulate, Ken brought health, healing, and comfort to countless members of his community for nearly four decades through his compassionate doctoring. In his career as a medical oncologist at Raleigh Hematology Oncology Associates/Rex Hospital, Ken was known for his humility, generosity, and incredible sense of humor. Perhaps most of all, though, Ken will be remembered for his unwavering integrity.

Ken is survived by a family that brought him endless joy and pride including his wife of 49 and a half years, Joyce Zeitler, whom he made laugh every day, and his younger brother, Dr. Phil Zeitler. He is also survived by his children, Dr. Daniel Zeitler (wife, Erin) and Dr. Emily Zeitler (husband, Christian Del’Aune), whom he parented with bottomless patience and love and his five cherished grandchildren: Riley (15) and Mason (13) Zeitler and Henry (10), Charlie (8), and George (8) Del’Aune who will fondly remember their Papa as an all-around athlete, a talented photographer, and their biggest fan.

Ken’s illness never stopped him – he continuously adapted to pursue joy, intellect, and togetherness with his family. The loss of Ken Zeitler leaves a gaping hole in the Raleigh community and the hearts of all those who loved and admired him. He is unforgettable and irreplaceable.

May his memory be a blessing and the life he lived an inspiration to us all.

Services will be at Beth Meyer Synagogue on Friday November 15, 2024 at 1pm.

Donations to Rex Hospital and the Rex Cancer Center, the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, and the Southern Poverty Law Center are welcome.