Russell Emery Gregory

Russell E Gregory, 84, of Oakland California, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in the city where he was born and lived most of his life. Known as “Russ”, he was born on February 12, 1941, to Carl and Muriel Gregory. He was a younger brother to Ronald, and older brother to Louise and Linda, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Russ married Sharon McClard on October 10, 1960, and together raised their children Janine, Rusty, and Karen. Russ supported his family through his skilled work in autobody repair and paint. He later earned a teaching degree from San Francisco State, and spent 25 years leading the auto body vocational program at the College of Alameda.

Russ pursued many interests during his life. He turned a simple sailing lesson on Lake Merritt into open ocean adventures to Alaska, Hawaii, and San Diego. He was often referred to as “The Captain”, and once you went sailing with him (and his cats!) on the good ship Wet Paint, you were forever a member of his crew. He built an entire second career in marine canvas, sewing sail covers, windbreaks and cushion covers for sail and power boats around the Bay Area.

His collection of Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Madonna concert t-shirts was only rivaled by his collection of Oakland Raider memorabilia and ticket stubs from his season seats next to the infamous “black hole”. He earned his black belt in Goju-Ryu Karate, a martial arts study based in Okinawa, and ran long-distance races to stay in shape.

His greatest passion was for his grandchildren Anna and her husband Gary, Ryan, Kyle and his partner Kenzie, and Rachel and her husband Grant. He was a silly and loving grandfather, and would build Hot Wheel tracks throughout the house as readily as making PBJs or wrestling in the living room. He filled piggy banks every year for each grandchild, some of which were used to shop for gifts to donate to Toys for Tots. He shared his love of sailing with them, and made opening Christmas or birthday gifts a hilarious torture as he used professional-grade masking tape to seal every edge of every present. His great-grandsons Frankie, Louis, and David were a source of joy and wonder in his later life.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to https://eastbayspca.org/russellgregory. The family thanks you for your thoughtful wishes and prayers during this time.