Dr. Burk Jubelt, aged 77, of Cazenovia, passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2023, of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Jubelt, a prominent neurologist in Syracuse, New York, was born on Aug. 27, 1946, in Richmond, VA, to the late Dr. Hilbert and June (Mathews) Jubelt and was raised in Manhattan, KS.
After completing his undergraduate education at Kansas State University, Dr. Jubelt earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical School. He pursued a residency in neurology at Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, and a fellowship in virology and immunology at Johns Hopkins University.
In 1979, Dr. Jubelt joined the clinical faculty at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he started a laboratory focusing on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. A decade later, in 1989, he relocated to Syracuse, taking on the role of professor and chairman of the department of neurology at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and also serving as a professor of microbiology and immunology. During his time at Upstate, Dr. Jubelt gained recognition for his contributions to research, teaching, mentorship and patient care. His research interests broadened to include polio, post-polio syndrome, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other areas of neurovirology. He was known for his relentless pursuit in the lab to find cures for these diseases. Dr. Jubelt also made significant contributions to the scientific community through numerous lectures, research articles and book chapters. Clinically, he was admired for his compassionate care and dedication to patients, serving as a role model for many. He took great pride in the professional success of the numerous residents and students who thrived under the guidance of his department.
Dr. Jubelt married his high school sweetheart, Martha Ann Jubelt. They shared a life filled with love, family, and many faithful pet dogs. A passionate fan of Kansas State football, Dr. Jubelt also enjoyed listening to music and discussing wine with his oenophile friends. On weekends, he loved to go for long walks with the dogs, playing catch with them in a field or winding through the neighborhood streets.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Jubelt; daughter, Lindsay Jubelt (Daniel Fleder), and their children Maxwell and Isabel Fleder of Cambridge, MA; son, Matthew Jubelt (Leah), and their children Willa, Etta and Luke of Cazenovia; and his sister, Wendy L. Fisher of Kansas City, MO.
A private ceremony will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Jubelt can be made to the Upstate Foundation, Inc., 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210.
