Peter John Zanzucchi

Peter John Zanzucchi, born April 21, 1941, in Syracuse, New York, lived a life of intellectual curiosity, with a deep appreciation for the connections between science, art, and people.

Raised in Syracuse, New York, Peter was first in his family to attend college. He received his undergraduate education at Le Moyne College, where his Jesuit education shaped a lifelong pursuit of asking questions, seeking understanding, and looking at the world from multiple perspectives. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning his doctorate in Chemistry and beginning a career in scientific research and innovation.

Starting in 1967, Peter spent his professional career with the Sarnoff Corporation in Princeton, New Jersey, where his work resulted in 24 patents for inventions and 15 peer-reviewed scientific articles in analytical chemistry and biomedical technologies. His research continued to have a life beyond the laboratory, with some of his publications receiving more than 30 citations. He supported summer mentorship programs for graduate students from Harvard and Princeton Universities and routinely collaborated with faculty on research at Princeton University and Rider University.

In 1997, he was appointed a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff – a rare industry distinction recognizing extended periods of outstanding achievement in technical contributions, leadership, originality, broad impacts, and publications. The award notes “his breadth of science and ability to identify the Holy Grails of any scientific discipline.”

Peter was often self-taught with his wide professional expertise and hobbies. During free time, he learned how to woodwork and build furniture, starting with a yellow baby chair with tulip cutouts for his daughters and evolving into tailored bookcases for their first homes.

Peter's curiosity took him in many unexpected directions, including volunteering his scientific expertise to help chemically analyze artworks for conservators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other institutions. He enjoyed showing his daughters the tiny slivers of artworks that were sent to him to analyze. Late in life, we were honored to see him credited for this work as a contributor to a book on sculpture by the Baga people of Guinea, Python Spirit on the Baga Coast: A Scientific and Art Historical Investigation (2024). It was a fitting expression of the way Peter approached life: with the tools of science, an appreciation for art, and an enduring desire to learn something new that supports communities.

Peter and his wife, Susan, met in graduate school and were married for over fifty years. Together they built a family that was central to his life. He was the devoted father of Anne and Kate and the proud grandfather of Sam and Pete. Legendary was his early morning gleeful crowing of “Oh what a beautiful morning!” from Oklahoma to get his daughters to the school bus on time, which fostered a healthy skepticism of musical theater. Peter and Susan made cat rescue their focus of retirement.

Known to never say no, Peter was a patient listener and always generous and supportive. Though seemingly quiet, he could talk for hours with his friends and family about creative opportunities and always was full of sound life advice. When faced with difficult choices, he would say, “Well, Hemingway drove ambulances too,” as a creative life involves many experiences and pathways.

He leaves behind a legacy with the students he encouraged, the colleagues with whom he collaborated, the questions he pursued, and the family he loved and supported. Peter’s bright smile and thoughtful words remind us that kindness is the greatest wisdom of all.

*If you would like to offer a remembrance gift, please feel encouraged to donate to the Alley Cat Allies   or North Shore Animal League