John E Petralia Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John E Petralia Jr., a loyal, loving, and thoughtful man, on May 6, 2026, at Albany Medical Center. Born on February 5, 1944, he spent his early years in Thomson, NY, before graduating from Schuylerville Central School. In his youth, he was an altar boy, member of drum corps, and excelled in athletics in school. John lived most of his life in Saratoga Springs, before later, residing in Greenwich, NY, where he spent his final years.

John had a remarkable life journey. After a brief stint at General Electric, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Sargeant in Vietnam as part of the 1st Marine Air Wing. A photography enthusiast, he captured the realities of his service through his lens. After his military service, he embarked on a career in law enforcement, serving with the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Saratoga County Sheriff's office. Following an early retirement, he continued to serve his community as a supervisor of mail processing at the United States Postal Service in Glens Falls.

A sports enthusiast in his youth, John maintained a fondness for physical activity throughout his life. He enjoyed playing golf and was an ardent supporter of the NY Yankees. He also loved boating on Saratoga Lake. His social side shone through in his love for trivia nights at Ollie's Bar and weekly dinners with his daughter. John had a deep affection for Cape Cod, where he spent many summers with his family. He also relished taking joy rides around the country, sharing stories of his youth with his beloved daughter, Amy.

John was a man of honor and kindness, always ready to lend a hand. His love for people was evident in his actions, always willing to give the shirt off his back. His love for animals, particularly dogs and cats, was well-known. He always carried dog biscuits on his travels, ready to share with any canine friends he would meet.

He was preceded in death by his father John E. Sr. and Sophie (Stuka) Petralia; wife of over 40 years, Candace Priester Petralia; brother, Nicholas Petralia; in-laws, Russell and Marion Priester.

He is survived by his daughter Amy Petralia of Saratoga Springs; brother, Michael (Patricia) Petralia; sisters-in-law, Kimberly (Brad) Saville and Darlene Petralia; several, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John's family wishes to thank CJ and Lexi Sullivan, Randy Squires, Jennifer Liptak, the Honor Guard at Saratoga National Cemetery and the entire community of Greenwich.

Donations in his memory may be made to North Country Wild Care at www.northcountrywildcare.org or the Saratoga National Honor Guard Association, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY, 12871.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave, Schuylerville, NY, 12871. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning at 11 am at Notre Dame Visitation Church, 18 Pearl Street, Schuylerville, NY, 12871. His burial will follow in the Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs.

A reception for family and friends will follow his burial at Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.

John's legacy is one of love, loyalty, and thoughtfulness. We encourage those who knew him to share memories and upload photos to his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com. His life was a testament to the power of kindness and the importance of community; let us remember him as such.