Lt. Col. Joseph F. Zmuda

Joseph was born on April 18, 1942 to Stella and Joseph F. Zmuda Sr. in Woonsocket, RI. Joseph (Joe) Zmuda left this life peacefully on Sunday, October 6, 2019 in his own home, as was his wish.  Joe and Stella resided in Blackstone, a small town in Massachusetts.  This was where Joe grew up with his two sisters while their parents owned and ran the Blackstone Diner.  It was also where Joe learned his remarkable work ethic.  Joe graduated with honors from high school and went on to Lowell College to earn his degree in Mechanical Engineering.  This was followed by his joining the U.S. Air Force and entering Purdue University and receiving his Masters and PhD.

He married and started a family while still at Purdue.  The family lived in Florida and Albuquerque along the way.  Joe’s military career was distinguished and culminated as an attaché to the Belgium Embassy in Brussels for three years.  When he retired from the military, the family relocated to Albuquerque.  In 1992 he and his wife divorced.  Joe found other careers during his retirement, with the Airborne Laser Lab as Branch Chief and President and co-owner of Sagebrush Technology, Inc. Joe married Patricia Hollis of Albuquerque in 2005.  He retired again in 2009 to spend more time in his garden and his favorite pastime…fishing!

Joe was known for his intelligence, humor, and honor.  He loved to dance and attend parties in his favorite neighborhood, Four Hills. He also enjoyed all the holiday get-togethers with family and friends.

Joe Zmuda was predeceased in death by his parents, Joseph and Stella; sisters, Janice and Sheila; and his granddaughter, Shaylee. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Zmuda; loving sons, Matthew Zmuda of Albuquerque, and Jason Zmuda (Pauline) of Annapolis, MD.  He is also mourned by stepdaughters, Nora Smith (Cameron) and Michele Klotzback (Steve).  He was also very fond of Patricia’s grandchildren, Don, Jenny, Kalene, Patricia and Sara; and great-grands Zac and Adrianna.  He will be sorely missed by all who survive him and by his numerous friends in Albuquerque and other parts of the country.

Joe Zmuda was a patriot and a proud American.  All who called him friend knew him as a good and decent man with a prowess at gardening few achieve.  He was always happy to share his gardening knowledge with anyone interested or needing gardening tips.  We will all yearn for another piece of info, or better yet, an excellent tomato from Joe.

Services will be held in Saturday, November 2, 2019, 10:30 a.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge, NE, Albuquerque, NM, Interment will be Monday, November 4, 2019, 10:30 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.