Dr. Joseph Peter Zublena

Dr. Joseph “Joe” Zublena died unexpectedly on February 7 in his home in Apex, North Carolina, at the age of 66. Joe was born on November 26, 1951 in Englewood, New Jersey, but moved south as fast as he could, and it was here that he made his career and raised his family. A scientist and educator, Joe found a lifelong passion in agriculture, its impact on the world, and his role in it. He was a leader in his field, held in high esteem by friends and colleagues, and dedicated much of his career to N.C. State University, where he considered it a great honor serve as Director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Joe’s favorite role in life was as devoted husband and father. He married his wife, Lise, in August 1978 and together as lifelong partners they made a warm, loving home where all were welcome, and raised their children to be kind and have integrity, and to leave the world better than they found it. To those who knew him, Joe was so full of life that at times it seemed to bubble over: he loved to laugh, to eat, to be with friends and family, to make building blocks in his workshop for the children to play with and pass down to the next generation.

In his short retirement, he was an avid adventurer, exploring volcanoes in Iceland, snorkel- ing with hammerhead sharks, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Wherever he went in the world, Joe brought love and laughter. He is survived by his wife, Lise; his daughter, Ailis, and her husband Jonathan; his son, Jonathan, and his wife, Taylor; his grandchildren Edy, Lila, Jack & Miles; his sister Lori, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 11th at 1pm at the Apex Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NC Agricultural Foundation, Attn: Joe and Lise Zublena CES Awards Endowment, NC State, Campus Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695.