Hon. Penny F. Zeplowitz
Passed away on 8/3/2025
When Penny Zeplowitz’s three male opponents attempted to knock her off the ballot for the office of Amherst “Councilmember,” State Supreme Court Joseph Sedita mused that a “rose is a rose is a rose,” resulting in the decision that would allow her to run as a Council Member and setting a historic precedent in the Town of Amherst where Board members always referred to themselves as Councilmen or Councilwoman.
After winning both the primary and general election, Penny Zeplowitz became an outspoken leader on issues impacting the disabled community, youth, libraries and development projects within Amherst. She created the first Group Review Committee in Erie County which provided education and links between residents and agencies placing group houses in Amherst. The New York State Disability recognized her work, and in 1994 she received a statewide award for her efforts on behalf of the disabled community.
She passed a law which would help keep tobacco products out of the hands of children and spearheaded the expansion of the Audubon Library in Amherst; with the largest circulation in Erie County. As an Independent Republican, she took a balanced approach to development in the town many times opposing large development projects supported by her Republican colleagues on the Town Board.
Whether it was canoeing up Ellicott Creek with the Town Engineer checking out water quality or standing up for “Bambi” when the town developed a program for thinning out the deer population, you could always count on Penny Zeplowitz to be an advocate for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.
Deciding that one term was enough, she returned to her management and communication business helping companies and individuals throughout the state improve their communication techniques both in the public and private sector. During this time, Penny had a media resurgence with My View and opinion pieces that appeared monthly in the Buffalo News. Whether she was challenging both parties on an issue she cared about or wrote humorous articles like being taken for a prostitute because she entered a Venice hotel without a suitcase, she kept her readers interested in her multitude of issues she wrote about.
From her days in college at UB and throughout her 60 years of marriage, Penny traveled extensively throughout Europe; particularly Italy, and could be found in February on the island of Maui, specifically the area of Lahaina. She was an avid mystery reader, book club member and amateur photographer with thousands of memorable pictures shot throughout the world. Penny married Barry Zeplowitz in June 1965, and have two children Jeffery (Katrina) and Tracy as well as one grandson George.
A small informal service with family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 7 between 3pm-8pm and Friday, August 8th, 3pm-8pm at the Zeplowitz residence: 144 The Village Green, Williamsville 14221. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com