John J. Brenner

John J. Brenner of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on July 31, 2026, after a six-month battle with cancer.

John was born and raised in Baltimore City. In his youth, he became a musician, playing guitar and forming the band Revelation with friends in 1986. The band continued to perform and produce music for many years, later under the name Against Nature. John toured internationally with his bandmates, and music became one of his great loves. He continued to write, record, and produce music under the names Whetstone and Holabird, whose work can be found on Bandcamp.

John's greatest passion, however, was education. He often referred to himself as "a high school dropout – with four college degrees." He inspired countless Baltimore City students and helped provide opportunities that put them on a path toward higher education.

John earned an associate degree from Baltimore City Community College before attending the University of Baltimore, where he completed his bachelor's degree. He then attended St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, earning the first of his two graduate degrees. Later, he returned to the University of Baltimore to earn a Master of Business Administration.

John built an extraordinary career at the University of Baltimore, serving in many roles over the years, from working in the tutoring center and teaching as an adjunct professor to ultimately becoming Director of College Initiatives.

In addition to education, John was passionate about music, fine food, animals, and the arts. He enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, sculpting, and drawing. He loved mid-century modern design and thoughtfully decorated his home in that style. He took great pleasure in finding and restoring discarded treasures, often repairing and refinishing vintage wooden furniture discovered through Facebook Marketplace.

Cats held a special place in John's heart. Over the years, he shared his home with many feline companions, most recently Sonny and Cher. He was also deeply interested in the history of Baltimore City and was fascinated by the changes in its neighborhoods, architecture, and landscape over the decades. He frequently shared that enthusiasm with friends and colleagues through articles and videos he thought they would enjoy.

John will be remembered for his quick wit, charm, musical talent, and unwavering passion for education, opportunity, and equality.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 5-7pm at the University of Baltimore - Students Center 5th FL - Bogomolny Room. 21 W. Mt. Royal Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201. For parking information and a campus map, please check the University of Baltimore web site.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dual Enrollment Fund at the University of Baltimore or to Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue in New Oxford, Pennsylvania.

**If you would like to make a donation in John's honor please consider University of Baltimore Foundation, designated to the "College Readiness & Dual Enrollment Program" or the program of your choice. Checks can be mailed to: The University of Baltimore Foundation, 1420 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201, or you can donate online at www.ubalt.edu/give.