Milton, NY - John completed his earthly journey on Friday October 28, 2022 at his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. When asked what he thought about his situation, John said he was "excited and looking forward to this new adventure, but sad to be leaving others behind." He added, "I'm such a procrastinator, I'm even going to procrastinate my own death," and thanks to the prayers of friends worldwide, he survived his battle with cancer for four years.

John was born on November 9, 1948 in New York City, the son of the late Anthony and Elsie Pencak Otrembiak. The family moved to Saratoga Springs when John was a toddler. John attended St. Clements and St. Peters schools graduating from Saratoga High School in 1966. He attended Adirondack Community College and graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh.

John joined the Peace Corps and taught English and math to children in Malaysia. Upon completion of his term, John took advantage of the opportunity to do some traveling before going home.  John's adventures took him through a number of countries in Asia, Europe and the Mid-East. John made many friends in his travels, some who are still in touch with him today.  John worked for the New York State Health department holding four different positions during his tenure.

With the Lord always at the center of his life, John lived his life to the fullest. He was the best example of putting one's faith into day-by-day practice. A parishioner at St. Joseph's Church in Greenfield Center, John also attended daily mass at St. Clement's Church. Throughout his life John had a special devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He was a vocal advocate for life.

He was an inspiration to all who knew him.  He touched many people as a mentor, foster father, God father, teacher, prayer partner, model of virtue and humility, and evangelizer.  He was a brother, uncle, friend, farmer, confidante, adventurer, adviser, refugee sponsor, supporter, encourager, philanthropist, and very social. John was an enthusiastic volunteer teaching CCD at St. Josephs, responding to disasters with the Red Cross, and volunteering at the Saratoga Emergency Corps.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

An avid gardener, John was always planting new and unique vegetables. John was a long-time member of the Farmer's Market where he enjoyed socializing with all his customers, teaching them how to grow and prepare some of the exotic vegetables he grew. It was always enjoyable to hear him talk about his adventures in the garden and elsewhere.  John always grew more than he needed so that he would have enough to donate to the food pantries.

John liked people, especially children. He was instrumental in sponsoring refugees to come to America.  He was a certified foster Parent, a responsible position which he found both challenging and rewarding. At Christmas John could be found sporting white beard and a red suit, a big hit with the Children.  He enjoyed it as much as they did.

John is survived by sisters Mary Beth Wing and Monica Varley, a brother Steve Otrembiak (Nancy), cousins Barbara Kubiak (Jan) and Paul Graycar (Bernadette), nephews Paul Varley (Jessica), and Billy Varley, Corey Osberg, Sr. (Jennie), Grady Gilchrist, (Jacky), a niece Nayomi Patrick, and a long list of loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

Special thanks for John's doctors: Dr. Weeks, Dr. Hong, Dr. Mongon, Dr. Gebhard, and Dr. Pezzulo.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4 - 7pm Tuesday, November 1 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Members of the Knights of Columbus will have their service at 5:00pm.

Relative and friend are invited to call from 8 – 9am Wednesday, November 2 at St. Joseph's Church, 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9am, celebrated by Reverend Simon Udemgba, PhD. Live streaming will be available through St. Joseph's/St. Paul's Mission (Greenfield Center, NY) website.

Burial will follow at North Milton Cemetery, North Milton Rd./Rt. 29, Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Birthright, P.O. Box 661, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.