Rest in Peace

Joseph Ellis Zaytoun

September 14, 1920 - June 2, 2021

SEMPER FIDELIS “Always Faithful”

Joseph Ellis Zaytoun, centenarian born on September 14, 1920, passed away on June 2 peacefully and with dignity at his home in Cary, North Carolina following a brief illness. His four children, Albert, Robert, Mary, and Steve were with him to the end, as were several loyal and loving caregivers.

Joseph Zaytoun’s long and purposeful life personified the very motto of the United States Marine Corps. Truly a remarkable man, he was always faithful to his Lord, his Family, his Friends, his Community, his State, and the Country he served as a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Lt. Zaytoun saw action in the Pacific Theater in World War II. As a member of the 6th Marine Division, he participated in many Pacific Island campaigns before completing his Marine Corps service as a China Marine in Tseng Sao, China.

He is predeceased by his loving and faithful wife of 73 years, Thelma Knuckley Zaytoun, his father Ellis Zaytoun, mother Isabel Zaytoun, and sisters Connie Lamar, Evelyn Farris, Vivian Salem, and Agnes Murman. He is survived by his four children, Dr. Albert Joseph Zaytoun, Robert Ellis Zaytoun, Mary Zaytoun Benton (Don), and Stephen Knuckley Zaytoun (Lisa), and by his brother, Dr. Henry S. Zaytoun Sr., himself 97 years old. Also surviving are grandchildren Laura Zaytoun (Dele), Katie Zaytoun (Daryl), Liza Zaytoun, Adam Zaytoun, Tessa Zaytoun Sladavic (Tino), Matthew S. Zaytoun (Hilary), MarySue Z. Boyle (Kevin), Sarah E. Birth (Donnie), Jack Benton (Megan), Myriah Zaytoun and Robert Ford Dodd. Greatgrandchildren are Maya Geneva Wade, Grover M. Zaytoun-Melton, Shellby M. Zaytoun-Melton, Jett E. Sladavic, Scout D. Sladavic, Oliver F. Hoolhurst, Roberson P. Boyle, Celestia J. Boyle, Piper E. Birth, Julianna E. Benton, and Clark A. Zaytoun.

On the day of his passing, oldest son Albert tearfully read a Father’s Day card to his Dad which deserves repeating. It said “Dad, you’re a good man. A good man chooses to do what’s right. He places his faith in the Lord and puts his family first. A good man changes the community around him by the light of his own example. A good man shapes the lives of his children with the strength of his love. I thank God for you, Dad – for being such a good man, for loving me strong, and raising me right. I love you, and today I hope you feel it, Happy Father’s Day. You are the greatest Dad one could ever have.”

Many who knew and loved Joseph Zaytoun can relate to these words read by Joe’s oldest son on his last day. Rather than repeating the too-often-used phrase “he never knew a stranger”, there are few who Joe has not extended a warm smile and outreached hand, usually holding his business card and followed by his statement “If you need any insurance, please call on me.” One only has to ask many citizens of the French communities where Joseph visited as an “unofficial ambassador” for Cary through its Sister Cities Program to verify his gentle spirit, welcoming friendship and ubiquitous business cards.

Joseph was born in Kinston, North Carolina, and his family eventually made their home in New Bern, North Carolina. Joseph contributed immensely to the life and culture of New Bern for many years, serving for over 30 years on the Tryon Palace Commission. Through his tireless efforts, the Tryon Palace History Center was built to preserve both the history of New Bern and the Tryon Palace, the first State Capitol of North Carolina.

While growing up in New Bern, Joseph graduated from New Bern High School and also attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Joseph then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he enlisted on campus during his junior year into the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he returned to UNC-CH to complete his college degree as an official member of the Class of 1941. Many of his classmates from Chapel Hill who enlisted and served in both Europe and the Pacific, as part of what came to be known as “The Greatest Generation”, returned and vowed to lead purposeful lives as they changed the history of North Carolina. Joseph’s close friend and classmate, Terry Sanford, became Governor of North Carolina in 1960. Another classmate, William Friday, became President of the UNC System. These returning veterans brought about dynamic changes in education, the economy, and race relations which propelled North Carolina to become known as “The Proud Beacon on the Hill.”

Joseph served in Governor Sanford’s administration on the State Board of Elections. In 1961 the Board conducted hearings in Madison County, North Carolina which resulted in overturning a State Senate election based upon proof of election fraud that was at the time viewed as commonplace and the bastion of local political bosses. It was during this unprecedented investigation in the summer of 1961 that his elementary school-aged son, Robert, traveled with his father to observe the hearings, which later inspired Robert to enter the legal profession.

Joseph began his business career in the insurance industry in Raleigh, eventually moving to Cary, North Carolina to establish his own insurance agency, Zaytoun and Associates, Inc. During his many years of involvement in the Cary business community, joined by his son Stephen, Joe and Stephen’s contributions to the quality of life in both Cary and Raleigh are well documented. Joe was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper, served for many years as a Trustee of the North Carolina Symphony, and became well-known as “Cary’s Ambassador” in its Sister Cities Program. It would not be uncommon for Joseph to lead delegations from Cary’s sister cities, Compiegne and Le Touquet, on guided tours of the Research Triangle, usually ending with a visit to the State Capitol and the office of the sitting Governor.

Joseph was humble to say that he lived 100 years with a rewarding quality of life. He refused to exclude his two years in the Pacific in WWII because he said that to serve one’s country is a quality and an honor.

A service of the faith will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 804 High House Road in Cary, North Carolina on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 11:00 am. to celebrate the life of Joseph E. Zaytoun, which has inspired many. The service will be followed by a full Marine Corps Military Service presented by the 733 Detachment, Joe’s Cary Marine Corps League volunteer group to which he loyally belonged for many years. Following the conclusion of the military service, a reception will be held at Joe and Thelma’s long-time favorite restaurant, Rey’s Steak House, through the generosity of owner Rey Arias, a true friend and devoted extended family member.

The Zaytoun family is forever grateful to the loving and loyal caregivers who have looked after their father for many years. They are: Kimberly McGhee, Mary Alston Roberts, Dora Oluyemisi, Amie Sallah, Kotreece Morgan, Fama Touray, Christiana Conteh, Elizabeth Cochrane, Haddy Gaye, Aminata Gaye, Binta Sankareh, Pa Moumar Gaye, Hannah Love, and Sento Cham. If ever there were saints on earth, these kind and gentle souls certainly belong. Also to be thanked is Dr. Jim Jacobs, Cary Internist and Joseph’s indefatigable physician for over 25 years.

In lieu of flowers, the Zaytoun family wishes to request that contributions be made to the United States Marine Corps Association & Foundation in Quantico, Virginia (715 Broadway St, Quantico, VA 22134). Close friend and retired Marine Corps Brigadier General George Walls, a Cary resident, has long-served on the Foundations’ Board and can attest to the service the Foundation provides to Marine Corps veterans of all ages who served their country in both war and peace. Contributions are also welcome to The Tryon Palace Foundation, PO Box 1007 New Bern, NC 28563-1007.

Joe, a good man, has left us, but he left his mark on so many. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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