Dennis Gregor

There were few days in Dennis Gregor's 81 years when he didn't feel like the luckiest man alive.

He filled his life with family gatherings, sporting events, history books, travel, tri-tip, bicycle trips, his children, grandchildren who called him "Papa Dennis" and much love, lively banter and adventures with his wife Lynda Gregor. He was able to enjoy all those things, up until he passed away peacefully in his favorite recliner on Sunday, July, 21, 2024.

Dennis Gregor was born August 15, 1942, in Fairfield, Calif., to Helen and Albert Gregor, coming into the world moments after his slightly-older twin brother David. (Dennis would later demand a birth certificate to prove this.) He grew up in Vallejo with David and older brother Mike when it was an active Navy town, and he always had great respect for the flag and a lifelong curiosity about American and military history.

Dennis graduated from Vallejo High School's class of 1960, working at Mare Island as a welder, then an outside machinist, sometimes on the same drydock as his father. One day Albert Gregor noticed his son paying attention to engineers reviewing a ship's paperwork; that night Dennis announced he wanted to enroll at California Maritime Academy, and in 1965 graduated from there with a degree in marine engineering.

Dennis met Lynda on a blind date in 1964. They were married in 1966, and remained a unit, "DennisAndLynda" (say it like it's one word, the second D is silent), for six decades. Dennis shipped out with the Merchant Marines until 1967, when his first son Matt was born. Kelly followed in 1970 and Scott in 1973. He spent two rainy years in the 1970s in Portland but spent the rest of his life in Vallejo.

Dennis and Lynda raised their family in the Somerset Highlands neighborhood, where they hosted pool parties, watched children grow, and walked a long succession of miniature schnauzers, at least two named Burgermeister. A major presence for Dennis in those years were his in-laws, Frank and LeOra Bingham, who enjoyed their grandchildren and hosted fireworks at their house every fourth of July.

His work forced him to stay overnight in the Central Valley (accumulating a legendary number of Marriott rewards points) but he attended every one of his children's sporting events that he could, then did the same for his grandchildren in Alameda and the Sacramento area.

Later in life he loved going to Cal football games with his high school and CMA friends (tailgating, of course), gathering at the Sardine Can restaurant to discuss politics, family, local happenings and sports - feeling optimistic about each new San Francisco 49ers season.

Dennis and Lynda moved from a big house to a condominium in their later years, but made sure it had a clubhouse for big holiday gatherings, and two spare bedrooms for their many friends and family to visit.

Dennis had a booming laugh that grew the loudest when his grandchildren were into mischief. He was occasionally stubborn, but always curious. He welcomed newcomers and looked for the best in people, even if he disagreed with them. He was a rule-follower who listened to doctor's orders. (Although his children now regret making him eat that gluten-free pizza with cauliflower crust last June at Lynda's 80th birthday party.)

Dennis visited Hawaii with Scott's family the month before he died, held his wife's hand many times in his last weeks and during his final evening enjoyed a glass of wine and spirited conversation with his friend Mel. He died surrounded by his favorite Tom Clancy books, dozens of pictures of his grandchildren and a new electric bike that had him dreaming of more adventures.

Dennis is preceded in death by his loving parents Helen and Albert and his brother Mike. He's survived by his wife Lynda, brother David, children Matthew (Andrea) Gregor, Kelly (Peter) Hartlaub, Scott (Gloria) Gregor, and grandchildren Olivia, Theo, Holly, Milo, Callahan and twins Madison and Nolan.

(Madison and Nolan, like David and Dennis, were born in alphabetical order.)

He is also survived by brothers-in-law Bill (Arlene) and Dan Bingham, countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A service is set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 at California Maritime Academy. Hawaiian shirts and large sun hats are not required, but in honor of Dennis will be considered suitable attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer's Association located in San Rafael.