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Linda Childs
February 27, 2018
I knew Joe many years ago in high school before he made the move down south. He was always one of my favorite people, caring, funny, loving, and just a joy to be around. We lost touch over the years but I still remember those days of getting together on Sunday mornings for bagels and coffee and the NY Times crossword puzzle in the Cliffside Park apartment. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Kathy Symons
February 22, 2018
Lise I am so sorry for the loss of your husband.
Leonard Bull
February 22, 2018
I lost a colleague and a friend. He was one of the great ones at NCState.
Linda Grimsrud
February 15, 2018
Oh Lise. There are no words. My heart aches for you and your family. Had I known I would have been there on Sunday. You are in my heart and prayers!
Evelyn Smith
February 14, 2018
May God comfort you in this time of great need.You have lost a dear Friend and a Mate and it is a great time of sorrow that only you understand at this time.Just think of the wonderful times you have had and cling to that and family at this time.I have walked in your shoes so I know the sorrow you feel.Empty and lost.I will be praying for you I work with the 4-H Program in Columbus County. That is where I have worked with Dr.Zublena know he was always a pleasure to greet a group, ready with a smile.May God continue to Bless you and the family in this trying time.
JoAnne Scrofani
February 13, 2018
Lisa..I am so sorry for your loss...You are in My Thoughts and Prayers...It has been a long time...I have such great memories of John and I being your friends....the girls loved being a part of Joe' and your life.......My Heart Aches for You....Please take care of yourself.....John and Joe will be watching over us....God Bless You and Your family
Deborah Clark
February 13, 2018
My condolences to you and your family. May God bring you strength and peace.
Eric Caldwell
February 13, 2018
Condolences from the Caldwell family. Joe was a trusted colleague and friend to my Dad and a colleague and mentor to me. I always appreciated his "can do" attitude, compassion and humor. He will be missed!
Jackie Helton
February 12, 2018
Joe was one of the best Extension professionals I worked with in North Carolina. He always had something nice to say and you could see his passion for the youth and families we serve across the state.
Joe taught me to look closer at evaluation by asking me, "So what?" so many times until I finally got to the impact that made a difference in the lives of those we serve.
The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Allyson Farmer (Brake)
February 12, 2018
I had the honor of being able to know Dr. Zublena through my time in 4-H. He was a great mentor to me during my time as a State 4-H Officer. He always had a kind and encouraging word of wisdom. His passion for 4H and the Extension program was well known and we will all miss his presence. My prayers are with Lise and the rest of Zublena family.
Dollie Moore
February 12, 2018
There aren't always many people in who's footprints you will wish to follow but Joe Zublena was one of those kind of people. He was a perfect example of what many of us strive to be. Working with him was truly encouraging and rewarding as he was always supportive, empathetic, resourceful, and eager to share his knowledge and experience. He has been truly missed as a colleague since his retirement but will certainly be missed now in our lives.
Mary Lou Addor
February 11, 2018
To the Zublena family,
I had the privilege of working with Joe during his tenure as our NC Extension Director. I appreciated his sense of fairness, his support of my Extension programs, and his overall dedication to Extension. My deepest condolences and warmest memories to each of you.
Dawn L Hellwinkel
February 11, 2018
Joe was a fine man, helping students and neighbors. He shall be sparkly missed. My condolences to Lise.They always opened there house each year at the Christmas Parade in Apex.
Jimmy & Anita Gentry
February 11, 2018
Joe was such a great guy. It was a privilege to get to know Joe and to work with him. Our best to Lise and family
Rich McLaughlin
February 11, 2018
Joe was my Extension boss when I first joined the Department of Soil Science in 1993. He helped me get my program started, both by mentoring and through example with his research and Extension program. It was not surprising that he rose to leadership roles in the College because he was friendly, positive, and had vision. While he was too young to be taken from us, he touched a lot of lives and left the world a better place a legacy to be proud of!
February 11, 2018
Lise, I was shocked and sorry to hear about Joe. I thought the service was moving and impressive. Best wishes to you and the family. I know he will be missed! Johnny Wynne
Liz Driscoll
February 11, 2018
Dear Lise and family,
Joe was a tremendous mentor, leader and cheerleader throughout my career in Extension at NC State. I would unexpectedly receive kind and thoughtful handwritten notes sharing words of encouragement and enthusiasm. He always had a moment to share a laugh, a thought or some other caring sentiment. I am so sorry for your loss and keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
Alan and Brenda Sears
February 11, 2018
Lisa we were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing! You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers! May God continue to watch over all of you! He was a very good neighbor!
Ed & Laura Jones
February 11, 2018
Dear Lise and family,
Our sincerest sympathies. Joe and I had so many years of working together, he helped shape me in my career and personally. Laura has fond memories of you both on the sidelines of the boys' soccer games. We are holding you in our hearts.
Love,
Ed and Laura
Beverly Sparks
February 11, 2018
RIP Dr. Joe. I will miss you. Thanks for your wise counsel and friendship.
February 11, 2018
Lisa, Expressing our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your loved one. Joe was always so happy and cheerful it was a pleasure to have played Pickleball with him.
God Bless you, our thoughts are with you and your family..
Richard & Laraine Behnke
Rich Tecosky
February 11, 2018
Joe is playing hearts and fishing at 6 am now with Tom. Wonderful memories and happy to have crossed paths with Joe. R.I.P.
Jason Christman
February 11, 2018
There are many who say that one of the most powerful verses in the bible is John 11:35, simply saying Jesus wept. That an all knowing, all powerful God can also be vulnerable, real and share completely in the human experience. To fully know our pains and emotions. What incredible insight into the heart of God in such few words.
If Uncle Joe's life had to be captured in a similar way it would be simply he loved. He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his wife, he loved his garden, he loved his neighbors, he simply loved. A man of great works and determination, of great ease and hearty laughter, of meaningful word and guiding nature, of great skill and experience, of great accomplishment and challenge. Yet he was unassuming in all his great strengths because he connected with all, with a true and humble heart. His heart kept us all together, kept us all anchored.
There are very few men worthy in today's world to be called role models, to be considered measures by which we should strive to. Uncle Joe was the man I set as the blueprint of what a father, a husband, a grandfather and a man of honor should be. Loving, caring, and gentle in all. Thoughtful, joyous in laughter and willing to tackle any challenge. Even in his gift for bluntness, he always had the best of intentions. His legacy will not only be the memory of all he has accomplished, or of the love and care he gave us all, but his legacy will be in how he influenced who we are. He was a father to all. Filling in for those of us who had less than stellar examples of what a truly loving father could be. Without his model, his character, his example of love, without his selfless and unique nature, we would not be the people we are today, we would not have a clear vision of character to strive for, we would not have witnessed the goal for how we want to be as we raise our kids or build our families. His impact was something far more powerful than words, more impactful than achievements, it was his example. His very nature. We are the best of who we are because of the nature of who he was. That's a legacy that goes beyond riches, statues, or accolades. And I hope we can be, I hope I can be, even a glimpse of the man that he was and pass on the nature of that legacy.
Carol Ciancia
February 10, 2018
My deepest sympathies are with you,Lise, and your family on this devastating loss. My dearest cousin, Joe, may you rest in peace.
Carol Ciancia
Friends Forever
Kim & Stephan Karatka
February 10, 2018
John & Jean Rosenow
February 10, 2018
Lise, Jonathan, Ailis and Families, we will all miss Joe, and are so very sorry he had to leave our world so soon. He has truly touched so many people and will live on in our memories and in our hearts forever. Many blessings and much love to you all...this is such a difficult time. Your Family is in our prayers.
Another fun day...Wertheim, Germany 7/29/2015
Jean Rosenow
February 10, 2018
July 2015 Arrival in Hungary...Fabulous Vacation
Jean Rosenow
February 10, 2018
The Guys at Melk Abbey, July 2015
Jean Rosenow
February 10, 2018
Sandy Ruble, ECOP Program Assistant
February 10, 2018
Dear Lise and family - To me Joe was an amazing human being and leader - a motivating force of caring and optimism. I remember his many kindnesses to North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals - at all times. I am grateful also to have witnessed the tremendous respect held by his colleagues, Extension Directors and Administrators, across the nation before his retirement in 2015. I pray that this memory and the reflections shared by many others will support and comfort you during this time of great loss.
Ron Brown
February 10, 2018
May God's peace be with you during this difficult time! We will certainly miss Joe. Blessings to all of you!
Kayla Shomaker
February 10, 2018
To the family of Dr. Zublena.....I only met him a few times while serving on the NC A&T SPC Board but, he was always cheerful, friendly and kind to those he met. I remember at the Declaration Signing in Raleigh a few years ago, he was always smiling and welcoming those of us whom he had never met before. From all I have heard and the hard work he put into NC State and the Cooperative Extension Service, he will truly be missed. God bless you and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Kayla Shomaker
Former NC A&T SPC Member
Montgomery County
Pam Thorpe
February 10, 2018
Lisa, I am so, so sorry to hear this. Mack and I will be keeping you and your family in our hearts and prayers.
Pam Thorpe
Pat Groves
February 10, 2018
Peace and love, my friend
Alfreda Warren
February 10, 2018
May hope and peace be yours today and always. With sincerest sympathy.
Freda Warren
Rhonda Conlon
February 10, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the Zublena family. Joe led with integrity and commitment, and was also so caring. He wanted us to succeed at work and live fully. At a college function just recently, when he shared an impromptu reflection about the joys of retirement, he again encouraged us to spend time with our families and pursue balance in our lives. He will be greatly missed.
February 10, 2018
It was a shock to lose someone who had dedicated their life to serving people. May God bless his family in this time of lost.
Bill Jester
Kinston,NC
February 10, 2018
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Joe. It was my pleasure to work with him during my time at NC State. He was thoughtful, held high values, interested in people personally and served the NC System well! I was enjoying tracking his travels on Facebook and seeing him enjoying retirement. Love and prayers to Lise and the whole family, especially those precious children. Karen DeBord
Vicki Pettit
February 10, 2018
To Lise and the Zublena Family,
A member of our close-knit Extension Administration family has left us way too soon. Joe brought out the best in those around him, but please take comfort in knowing that the broadest smiles came to his face when he talked about his family.
May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time, and in the coming days.
Carole Zublena-Campbell
February 9, 2018
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will be lifting your family up in prayer.
Carole, Kevin, Ray, Reed and Joy
Debbie Roos
February 9, 2018
Lise, I was just so shocked and saddened to learn about Joe's passing. I have known Joe throughout my Extension career and he was always so supportive and encouraging. Very dedicated and full of integrity. This is such a loss to so many people and I will always appreciate everything he did for NC Cooperative Extension. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Maurice Cook
February 9, 2018
It was a pleasure to know and to work with Joe Zublena. His personal and professional qualities were exemplary. My warmest thoughts to Lise and all the family.
Ron and Lois Jarrett
February 9, 2018
To Lise, Ailis, Jonathan and the rest of the family, you have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy! Lois and I are deeply sadden to hear about Joe!
I am one of the few who knew Joe (with the long hair) as Extension Grain Specialist with Clemson. We had similar positions at the time. I remember when he came to NCSU in charge of Soil Science Extension and quickly moved on to become a State Program Leader. Next, he joined the County Operations Team as Assoc. Dir. for the Cooperative Extension Service and finally served as Assoc. Dean of CALS and Dir. of CES (NC State Extension). My point is, he was my coworker and immediate supervisor.
When I think of Joe, I think of one word; excellence! Excellent leadership and support, respect, fairness, honesty, integrity and a great work ethic!
Lise, you and Joe will always be considered special people by Lois and I because of your kindness and friendship! Joe will be sorely missed but never forgotten!
John Richardson
February 9, 2018
Joe was a valued friend and colleague who made significant contributions to the leadership and operations of Cooperative Extension, the College of Agriculture and NC State University. He will be missed by so many!! A great guy!
Beth Holder
February 9, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss.
Ruby Proctor
February 9, 2018
I was so shocked and sad to learn about Joe's sudden death. I knew Joe through my husband, Dalton Proctor, who worked with him in Extension. May God bless you and your family and give you strength during this very sad time.
Jacob & Deborah Crandall
February 9, 2018
Lise,Ailis,Jonathan,Lori and Famiy:
We are deeply saddened to hear of his loss that you and your family have encountered. Our hearts go out to you during this trying time and may our prayers serve as comfort to you and your loved ones. May God Bless You!
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us. -Helen Keller
Sandy and Steve Zaslow
February 9, 2018
Lise and family,
Steve and I send our sincere condolences. Joe was a mentor to me, a wonderful boss, and an inspiration to all he led. He always shared his love for Extension and his family, and worked so diligently to improve the lives of North Carolinians. We regret missing his service, but we will be at an out of town family memorial service for my mother. Thinking of you, Sandy and Steve Zaslow.
Sandra and Steve Zaslow
February 9, 2018
Lise and family,
Please accept our regrets for Dr. Zublena's memorial service. We will be participating in an out of town memorial service with relatives for my mother, who died last week. You and your family will be in our hearts on Sunday. Sandy and Steve Zaslow.
Elworth Cheek
February 9, 2018
As a part of the SPC (Strategic Planning Council), at A & T State University, I met Dr. Zublena a few years ago. I was truly impressed with the compassion he had for Agriculture in North Carolina as well the farmers. I know he will truly be missed. I pray that God will bless and keep you. Sorry for your lost.
Debbie Ort
February 9, 2018
My heart breaks for you all. I am so saddened to hear of his loss. He was a wonderful friend and an amazing person. Thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort.
Sandra A. Zaslow
February 9, 2018
My condolences to Dr. Z's family in this difficult time. Joe was my mentor and quite simply the best boss I ever had the pleasure of working with. When I think of Joe, I will remember his commitment to Cooperative Extension, his team, and the larger Extension family, and his belief in helping North Carolinians succeed at their goals. There is a light that never goes out.
Sylvia Churchwell
February 9, 2018
Dr. Zublena was an exemplary professional who led NC Cooperative Extension with vision and the courage to implement his vision. I learned much from him during the six years we worked together on the State Advisory Council. Lise, Ailis and Jonathan can take pride that they were always his greatest joy.
Pete Bromley
February 9, 2018
So sad to hear of this news! Joe and I were colleagues for the 13 years of my tenure as a professor and extension specialist for wildlife resources at NC State. I enjoyed working with him, and surely I will miss him and can only imagine the sadness and loss you all feel. Sincerely, Pete Bromley, Professory Emeritus, Zoology, CALS
Sheilia Griffis
February 9, 2018
Prayers for his family and friends. I hope all your wonderful memories will help ease your pain and bring you comfort. Thinking of you in sympathy.
Susan Ayscue
February 9, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Dr. Z and will keep the family in my prayers.
Susan (Brame) Ayscue
Frankie Gould
February 9, 2018
Louisiana State University AgCenter sends its deepest sympathies for the lost of Joe. We have known and worked with Joe for his many years at as NC State Extension Director. From the Southern Region Program leaders meeting, ECOP and a review of the Ag Communications group. He will be greatly missed. - Frankie Gould, LSU AgCenter Communications
Paul Coreil
February 9, 2018
Joe was one of the kindness souls I ever had the privilege of knowing. We were southern state Extension Service Directors together - me in Louisiana and he in NC. He was always so kind and caring every time I called him or met with him for a meal at a Southern Region directors
February 9, 2018
Joe was a wonderful leader and a caring person. I am very saddened to hear of this loss.
Kevin Starr
Lincoln County
Richard Liles
February 9, 2018
Sorry for your loss. Peace and grace to the family.
Christine Smith
February 9, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Zublena. He was my friend and a man of integrity, exemplary leadership, and compassion. It was an honor to work with him during my tenure with the NC Cooperative Extension. He will be greatly missed. However his legacy of love and dedication to the citizens of North Carolina will always be cherrished and remembered.
Stewart Turner
February 9, 2018
Condolences from my wife Amy and I. Joe was always so friendly and helpful during our time on campus at NCSU. All the great compliments I have heard about Joe as I have worked across NC and SC, is a testament to his character and dedication.
Jill Sidebottom
February 9, 2018
I always felt that Dr. Zublena really cared about the people who worked for him. It was more than a year after my own husband had passed when I saw Dr. Z at a meeting. He made it a point to come up to me, took me by the hand, and offer his condolences. That meant the world to me.
February 9, 2018
Lisa and Family I want you to know that Joe was the best supervisor I ever had at NCSU. in addition to being a friend. I'm going to miss him. Barrett Richards Soil Science Dept.
Ann Simmons
February 9, 2018
I was sad to learn of Dr. Zublena's passing. It is my prayer that the memories of all that you shared will bring you comfort now and in the coming days.
Barrett Richards
February 9, 2018
Lisa and family please accept my sincere condolences. He was without a doubt the best supervisor I ever had at State and a friend as well. I going to miss him. Barrett Richards Soil Science Department Apex NC
Gloria Baker
February 9, 2018
Dr. Zublena cared about Extension and its employees and always seemed to live in the moment, with empathy as well as vision. And I remember how proud he was to introduce my husband and me to his lovely wife Lise at an awards banquet.
Tom Campbell
February 9, 2018
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Dr. Zublena was a very creative and caring leader in his many roles in our North Carolina State Cooperative Extension Service. My sincere sympathies go with you. May family memories of happier times with Joe console you now at this very sad time.
L. Danyce Dicks
February 9, 2018
Heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family during your grief journey. Take it moment by moment.
Frank Abra,s
February 9, 2018
Joe was a fine man and a dedicated public servant. My thoughts are with the family.
Frank Abrams
John Kinneer
February 9, 2018
May the peace of The Lord be with you and family.
Mary Watzin
February 9, 2018
Joe gave his all to Extension and our State. It was an honor to have worked with him. My deepest condolences to the Zublena family.
Scott Cummings
February 9, 2018
Our deepest and most sincere condolences are being sent from Texas. I worked with Joe for a number of years on a national project. I always had much respect for Joe. What a great man. He will be missed.
February 9, 2018
I worked with Joe when he first cam to Raleigh. He was always a dedicated individual, caring, more than willing to be of assistance. He was a true professional. Ronald Sneed
Rebecca Zuvich
February 9, 2018
To the entire Zublena family. It was a great privilege to work with Joe for so many years at NC State. We are all better for having known him. What a wonderful mentor and friend to all. With heartfelt sympathy, and warmest wishes to you.
Kenneth Sorensen
February 9, 2018
So sorry to hear the loss of a colleague over 40 years in Extension. We served on several leadership meetings and his contributions will continue. Prayers to family and the entire extension family and people he touched.
Richard Linton
February 9, 2018
Joe was a great friend and colleague. I enjoyed working with him and admired his "spirit to enjoy life to the fullest." Rest in peace.
anonymous anonymous
February 9, 2018
On the behalf of Kingdom Empowerment Ministries, Inc. and Apostle Emma Speaker Dickens (Senior Pastor), we extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during your time of bereavement. We will continue to lift your family up unto the Lord. We are assured he will be the peace and comfort that you need now and the days to come. Know that God is with you, he loves you and he cares.
With love and prayers,
K.E.M. and Apostle Emma S. Dickens
February 9, 2018
On the behalf of Kingdom Empowerment Ministries, Inc. and Apostle Emma Speaker Dickens (Senior Pastor), we extend our heartfelt condolences to your family during your time of bereavement. We will continue to lift you & your family up unto the Lord. We are assured he will be the peace and comfort that you need now and the days to come. Know that God is with you, he loves you and he cares.
With love and prayers,
K.E.M. and Apostle Emma S. Dickens
February 9, 2018
On the behalf of Kingdom Empowerment Ministries, Inc. and Apostle Emma Speaker Dickens (Senior Pastor), we extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during your time of bereavement. We will continue to lift your family up unto the Lord. We are assured he will be the peace and comfort that you need now and the days to come. Know that God is with you, he loves you and he cares.
With love and prayers,
K.E.M. and Apostle Emma S. Dickens
Sheri Schwab
February 9, 2018
Joe left an indelible mark on so many people in this state, especially in Cooperative Extension. He has a beautiful caring soul and he shared that joy and passion for helping others freely and generously. He loved his family deeply and showed others that family is the most important part of our lives. He will be greatly missed.
Marianne Burke
February 9, 2018
The sudden loss of Joe was a shock to us all who played pickleball with him in Apex. Joe was funny, kind, accepting and simply enjoyable to be around. Words seem inadequate to express how very sad I am to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his family in their time of sorrow. I hope Joe can send us a sign to let us know if there is "pickleball" in heaven. Godspeed to his loved ones.
Rich Bonanno
February 8, 2018
What a great loss of someone so devoted to Extension and to the people of NC.
Vicky Merritt
February 8, 2018
My heart is saddened and my prayers go out to Lisa and the family. Dr. Z was a special man. I will always remember his caring compassionate heart for what my husband and I were going through when I was part of his Extension family. He always greeted me with a smile and kind word. Forever my friend... may you rest in peace Dr Z♡♡♡
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