Saratoga Springs – John Penzer, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Saratoga Springs,NY, on July 23, 2026. Born on December 29, 1947 in Saratoga Springs, John was the son of the late Steven and Mary (Butler) Penzer.

After graduating college he joined the Marine Corps, where he honorably served from 1969 through 1971.

John was proud to be the Executive Director of several non-profit agencies specializing in addiction and mental health. He also taught Literature and Film Appreciation at SUNY Albany for 8 years.

John rode his bicycle more than 200 miles around Lake Champlain in a trek for The American Lung Association. He has also logged more than 2,500 dives as a scuba diver and once shared the lecture podium with the famous American adventure novelist and underwater explorer, Clive Cussler.

John wrote and published 3 Kindle books and one audiobook on scuba diving, along with 15 magazine articles, included by Skin Diver Magazine; the Bible of dive magazines. John is survived by his family and close friends. His friends, William Eddy, of more than 60 years, Dr. Bick Wanck and Reva Cousino, both of more than 40 years; his daughter, Elizabeth Bennett, PhD Psychologist; his granddaughter Leah, who is now completing her pediatric residency and will be a Pediatrician, as well as his brother David (Ivy Penzer) and niece Mariellen.

The sale of John’s estate will benefit many no-kill shelters for cats and kittens.

John will be buried privately with his parents in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, at a later date.