Joy (Corrado) Zublena

**Joy Corrado Zublena**, 90, of Torrington, Connecticut, was born on August 2, 1935. Music came early to Joy. At just three years old, she began tapping out nursery songs on a toy piano as her mother, Julia, sang to her — a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to music.

Joy dedicated every facet of her life to her art. She was a distinguished concert pianist, accompanist, organist, and theater organist who performed throughout the East Coast. She appeared numerous times as a piano soloist with the Torrington Symphony Orchestra and won the Concerto Competition for piano performance while attending Central Connecticut State University.

Her musical education was extensive. Joy studied at the Hartford Conservatory and the Hartt School of Music and attended masterclasses with renowned organists and choral directors at Colby College in Maine and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. She also held both the Service Playing and College Degrees from the American Guild of Organists.

Joy’s faith and music were inseparable. She served for many years as **Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church in Torrington**, where her talents touched countless lives. In addition to being the church’s organist, she directed the senior, junior, and bell choirs, nurturing generations of musicians with patience and joy. She also organized numerous cantatas and benefit concerts, using music as a means of worship, community building, and service to others.

Highly sought after as an accompanist, Joy worked with schools, organizations, and individuals, and served as the official accompanist for the Colby Institute of Music in Maine for ten years. She was the musical director for numerous area musical productions and shared her talents generously with the community. A former Miss Connecticut, Joy taught piano, organ, and voice in her home studio, mentoring generations of students with patience, passion, and grace.

Joy was predeceased by her beloved husband, **Raymond Zublena**, on December 21, 1995. Thirty years later, they have been reunited.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, **Carole Campbell**, and her cherished grandsons, **Raymond Campbell and Reed Campbell**, whom she adored beyond measure.

Joy’s life was a testament to music, dedication, and love — a melody that will continue to resonate in all who knew her.  A Memorial Service will be held Saturday Jan. 10, at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church, following a graveside service at New Saint Francis Cemetery at 10 AM.  www.phalenfuneral.com

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