Dr. Joseph John Zubak

Joseph J. Zubak, M.D., 57, of San Angelo, beloved husband, father, friend, and surgeon returned to his heavenly home on July 6, 2020. His death followed a brief battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare neurological brain disorder. Joe was born May 13, 1963 to the late Joseph J. Zubak and Mary Ann Bystricky, who were both 2nd generation Slovak. A man of humble beginnings, Joe was raised in the coal mining town of Republic, Pennsylvania, where his family ran a grocery store and dairy farm. After losing both parents at a young age, Joe and his three sisters were raised by Mary Osley who became the rock and center for the entire Zubak family. It was Cousin Mary’s tireless and unwavering dedication that taught Joe generosity, hard work, and compassion. Joe’s intellectual curiosity led to a remarkable academic career. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Maryland and his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed his internship at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii and then served as Officer-in-Charge at Fort Meade MEDDAC. Dr. Zubak completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, and he went on to achieve an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship at Baylor University Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Zubak served as an Orthopaedic Staff Surgeon at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX, and a Clinical Instructor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He served as Chief of Surgery at the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq where he treated countless soldiers and villagers. He was awarded a Bronze Star medal for his service. After 13 years in the Army, he was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Colonel. Joe and his wife, Amy, settled in San Angelo in 2007 with their two children, Corbin and Colette. Dr. Zubak was a healer who loved his medical practice as an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Shannon Clinic. He also treated veterans at the San Angelo VA Clinic. He was renowned both for his superb technical skills as a surgeon and his unparalleled compassion and bedside manner. He was a Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma Association member, and Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Joe was a humble, selfless man who served his family, friends, and community with his whole heart. He had a rare combination of qualities: he was strong and big in stature, yet gentle and kind-hearted; was successful, yet down-to-earth and unassuming; was a man of science, yet had a deep spiritual nature. He was a devoted father who helped his children succeed in all their activities and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife. An avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, he was also an athlete himself, running in the Marine Corp Marathon, golfing, and frequently working out in the gym. Despite his busy and stressful work schedule, he would find simple pleasures working in the yard and grilling for his family. He had many interests, but he never lost sight of his purpose - to help others. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Ann Zubak, sister Christine Zubak, and materfamilias “Cousin Mary” Osley. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Amy (Lange) Zubak; their cherished children, Corbin and Colette Zubak; two sisters, Mary Jo Clark of Maynard, MA and LuAnn Zubak of Baltimore; nephews Daniel Clark and Christopher Zubak-Skees; niece Katie Miller; brother-in-law Jim Skees; and many loving friends and colleagues. He will be missed dearly by all those whose lives he touched. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Joe’s honor to a favorite charity or at FamiliesInVietnam.org for the benefit of the many impoverished children the Zubak family has sponsored over the years.