Obituary for Greg Grilli, 59
Greg Grilli
–Planet Earth was made a little better by Greg’s birth on August 31, 1960 in San Jose, CA to Leo and Josephine Grilli. His schooling included Saint Martin’s, Cypress Middle School, Blackford High School (class of 1978), and De Anza College. Greg earned his master’s degree in industrial arts from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1985.
Greg Grilli was an accomplished cabinet maker through the 90s, until his love for nature set him on a new path. Greg began his new career as a park ranger in 2002 with Monterey County Parks. He continued to strive for more and attended, then graduated, from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department academy earning the highest marksmanship award for his class. In the same year, he graduated as class valedictorian from California Department of Parks and Recreation basic training and landed a prestigious assignment at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in the Santa Cruz mountains. He retired in 2012.
Greg continued to work, part-time, as a substitute teacher at Paso Robles High School in welding, then at Mayan Hardwood, Inc. His volunteerism was widespread, he was most proud of his time with the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay and working harvests at Midnight Cellars.
Greg found love with Brenda in 2003 and married her in 2009, which is when he gained a son in Anthony. His passions revolved around his friends and family, sharing wine, recipes, food, and tradition. His garden was a masterpiece and its abundance were shared with everyone he loved. Nature had a solid place in his heart, so he, Brenda, and Morti camped in the most beautiful places often. Greg’s generosity for friends was paramount to his personality. He would drop anything to help a friend. And, his grumbling was renowned, providing his friends the best fodder for loving imitation.
Greg was preceded in death by his father, Leo Paul Grilli, and his mother, Josephine Mary Grilli. He is survived, begrudgingly, by his wife, Brenda Marie Keene-Grilli, stepson Anthony Kerstiens, sisters Paulette Grilli, Angela Grilli, brother Lenard Grilli, and twin brother Dave Grilli, as well as many nieces and nephews, and Morti Grilli, his four-legged buddy.
There will be a celebration of life held Sunday, March 15 at Midnight Cellars Winery from 2 to 4 p.m.
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