George William DeGregori

Tucson - Obituary for George W. DeGregori, Jr.

George DeGregori passed away peacefully with his family by his side October 12, 2025. He died a little over 100 years after his birth in Modesto, California on October 6, 1925. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, who passed in 2015. He is survived by his son, Scott E. DeGregori, his daughter, Christine Leigh Reeves, his grandchildren, Benjamin and Stefanie Reeves, and four great-grandchildren.

He grew up in Gustine, California, where he developed a passion for music and became a cornet soloist at Gustine Union High School, performing statewide.

At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy's special program where he completed high school and then went onto Officer training. He went on active duty in the Navy in July, 1943 and was sent to the University of New Mexico for several semesters. There he organized a navy dance band which played for Sunday evening radio broadcasts and also toured the state raising money for war bonds. From New Mexico he was sent to Harvard for Midshipman School.

After graduating, he served on PT boats in the Pacific theater beginning in June 1945 and witnessed the Japanese surrender of the Philippines that August.

He left the Navy in 1946 and attended San Jose State University where met the love of his life, Alice May Brill. He obtained his music degree in 1948 and married Alice soon thereafter. George got a job as music instructor at Castro Valley Schools. He was an exceptional music teacher who built strong relationships with his students and consistently helped them excel. During his time in California, George formed the Castro Valley Community Band, which is still in existence to this very day! It was a thrill for him to be the guest conductor honoring their 60-year anniversary, even conducting some of his former students.

Their daughter was born in 1951 and their son in 1954. Scott's health caused them to move to Tucson, Arizona in 1960. George got a job teaching music in the Amphitheater School District and eventually became an administrator. He was the principal at several schools, including Canyon del Oro High School, graduating its first class in 1968. He obtained his Doctorate in Education in 1973 from the University of Arizona and became an enthusiastic Wildcat fan, never missing a game. During those years he made a difference in many lives. Former students often visited him to express gratitude for his positive influence on their lives.

He retired from education in 1986 and immediately started his second career in real estate with Roy Long Realty, where he was rookie of the year and made the million-dollar club four times. He also taught part time at Pima Community College and volunteered for the Arizona Historical Society. He became one of their foremost speakers and toured the state lecturing about Bands of the early southwest.

Music was a lifelong love. When recovering from a brain tumor, George did his PT in a most uncommon way. He taught himself to play the flute, combining facial exercises with music. This led to several years playing in the Southern Arizona flute club where he made a host of new friends.

George and his wife hiked, backpacked, participated in country western dancing and had a rich and varied social life. They helped establish Quail Valley Racquet Club and participated actively. They traveled widely, including a visit to China in the 1970s when it first welcomed foreign visitors.

Their grandchildren were born in 1978 and 1981 and became the central focus of their lives. They frequently visited Denver and El Paso, where their son-in-law was stationed in the Army. George remained active and vibrant to his last day. An avid scrabble player, he played nearly every night.

George was always positive. Family always came first. In his last decade he had a wonderful group of caretaker ladies who took loving care of him, becoming his second family. One of these women coordinated community parades in honor of his birthdays. Mr. George, as he became fondly known, was honored by the community with a drive-by parade just one week before he passed. He was asked in a TV interview about the secret to a long life. George replied, "Surrounding yourself with a loving family and wonderful friends."

The memorial service is set to be held at St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church at 10:00 AM on November 19, 2025.

Contributions in his honor may be made to the Castro Valley Community Band at:

La Alianza de Hayward

Attn: Band Music

5500 Jensen Rd.

Castro Valley, CA 94552

Please make checks payable to La Alianza de Hayward.