Joseph Francis Zalgenas

Joseph F. Zalgenas of Effingham, NH passed away on October 8, 2025 with his loving wife by his side following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Born in 1954 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Ben and Frances Zalgenas, he graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School in 1971.

In 1980 Joe married the love of his life, Janis (Jan) Baker. From that moment on they were known as “Joe and Jan”, always doing everything together as one. He served the NH State Police from 1979-1994, moved up in rank to Corporal, joined the K-9 Unit and had the State’s first bomb dog, Brutus. He was so very proud to be a NH State Trooper. His career was cut short in 1994 due to a back injury which forced him to take an early disability retirement.

From his childhood on, Joe loved music and he had the unique ability to “play by ear”. He played bass guitar with various bands throughout the years. After his retirement his favorite gigs were with Southern Breeze, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Joe changed hats for every song in tribute to Leon Wilkeson, bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd who also changed hats for every song.

Joe was kind, compassionate, funny and simply loved life, his family and friends, his special angels, nature, being home and all his pets – 13 German Shepherds (Mandy, Kelly, Brutus, MacGyver, Shaine, Falcon, Axel, Ziggy, Lucy, Whitney, Zeus, Jack and Sophia) 2 Rescue pups (Riley and Zelda) and 8 cats (Shadow, Muffin, Dusty, Mittens, Patches, Scooter, Chelsea and Molly).

Besides his wife Janis (Jan), he is survived by his brother Ben Zalgenas (Lita) and family; his sister Ann Noe (Mark) and family, his wife’s nieces and nephews – Andrew Cornwell, Jerilyn and Alyssa; Jessica Kelly (Rob), Owen & Spencer and Janis Cornwell (Kim). He was predeceased by his brother John and sisters Frances and Elizabeth.

Calling hours at Lord Funeral Home in Wolfeboro will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to the Lakes Region Humane Society, 11 Old Route 28, Ossipee, NH 03864 or Cornerstone VNA, 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, NH 03867 or a charity of choice.

A gathering of Family & Friends will be held at a later date in time. Burial will be private.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Francis Zalgenas, please visit our floral store.