Greg Prieto
1983 - 2025
Greg Prieto
1983 - 2025
Obituary
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Greg Prieto Obituary
Greg was born in Tarzana CA on September 15, 1983. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary and Paraclete High School. Greg earned his undergraduate degree from Whittier College and his masters and doctorate in Sociology from UCSB.
At the time of his death, Dr. Prieto was in his 12th year teaching sociology at the University of San Diego. He was an accomplished author and activist with a passion for immigrant rights, police accountability, and LGBTQ youth.
Greg was a very special person, and will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends from throughout his life. He still had close ties to his Sacred Heart kindergarten classmates. Friendships were very important to him.
Greg is survived by his loving husband Zach Thompson, parents Sherry and Sam, sister Kathleen (Lauren, Jameson and Thomas), brother Christopher, Grandparents Bob Blechen (Joan), Willo Phillips, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Our beautiful boy and that brilliant smile will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the USD College of Arts and Sciences in support of the Dr. Greg Prieto Memorial Scholarship Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mathew Abraham
November 23, 2025
Just saw the posting of Greg's obituary...we fondly remember Greg's days at Sacred Heart school with our boys and the times when you came over to the house for playing video games and basketball....so sorry to hear of your passing. So proud of all your accomplishments!
Rose, mathew, Chris, Justin
Arthur G. Stevens
November 2, 2025
I just heard of Greg´s illness and death today, All Saints Day, when his name was read at Trinity Church, Santa Barbara. I´m an Episcopal priest, political scientist, and had the great pleasure of working with Greg against police racial injustice here years ago. Greg and I became close friends and shared good times together frequently. I´m shocked by his death at such a young age (I´m 84) swill grieve not only his death and the suffering he endured but the loss in the fight for racial and LGBTQ+ tights. What a wonderful young man
Sabrina Goosby
October 30, 2025
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Greg. I am sending condolences to his family and friends. Greg was a CASA at Vouces for Children and made a difference in the lives of the foster youth he so graciously worked with. He also moderated a panel of former foster youth that work with VFC. The young adults on the panel said Greg was a fantastic moderator, made them feel comfortable and he lead to to a conversation that helped them to be vulnerable with the audience. 2 of them were actually sociology students and told him they felt a true connection and they wished he had been their professor or their CASA. Greg's smile and warmth will be remembered a lifetime. His beautiful, bright life will be missed.
Sabrina Goosby
Retired VFC staff
Emily Pipkin
October 30, 2025
He was an amazing, dedicated and passionate professor and inspired me to minor in sociology. He truly made me think differently about so many things and he genuinely cared about his students and their wellbeing. Such a kind, intelligent, welcoming, and thoughtful person that will be missed by many.
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Marzia Milazzo
October 24, 2025
This is devastating news. Greg and I graduated from UCSB with our PhD in the same year and I have only good memories of him and his sweet demeanour. I have found his scholarship immensely generous and generative, and was delighted when he accepted to speak with my students at Vanderbilt University about his groundbreaking book Immigrants Under Threat: Risk and Resistance in the Deportation Nation a few years ago. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Tania Israel
October 24, 2025
I got to know Greg when he was a graduate student at UCSB. I was so impressed with him that I brought him in to do some training on privilege for my professional organization. What I learned from Greg in that context left an indelible imprint on how I think and teach about diversity to this day. Greg and I had not been in touch for quite some time, but when I invited him to my retirement party this summer, he sent me such a lovely and warm email. I didn't know he was ill, but having learned of his passing, I found his writings about his cancer journey and am heartbroken. What an extraordinary human who left this life far too young. Sending my deepest condolences to all who loved him.
Daniel Harris
October 23, 2025
I had the privilege of getting to know Greg over the past several years through my work, but what began as a professional relationship quickly became something much more meaningful. Greg was truly a joy to talk with - thoughtful, curious, and full of warmth. He loved ideas and conversations that stretched the mind, and he had a way of brightening any day with his compassion and kindness.
What stood out most to me was Greg´s genuine care for people and the grace with which he lived his life, even through great challenges. His words and actions always reminded me that connection and compassion are what make our lives matter.
To Greg´s family: you raised a remarkable son whose light continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. And to Zach, it was always clear how much Greg loved you and how deeply he cherished your life together.
Greg´s spirit touched me deeply, and I will carry the warmth of knowing him in my heart always. Greg was a special soul - a light in this world - and I feel lucky to have known him.
Tanya Golash-Boza
October 23, 2025
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear colleague and friend Greg Prieto. He was a kind, authentic, and caring soul. He is the rare colleague whom I admire deeply for his work, his dedication to the community, his generosity of spirit, and his bright light. I´ll never forget you, Greg.
Larry Prieto
October 23, 2025
i like to say i am inspired by your beliefs of people of immigration need help because what our government is doing today. when i read about you i feel in your short years you lived a life of passion for people. i wish today i had got to know you. You were a special person that the world has lost. May your memory of you live for ever Lp
Christopher Prieto
October 21, 2025
My dear beautiful BIG Brother. Words cannot describe my love and respect for you.
Thank you for all the countless memories we shared together growing up. From sharing bunk beds, driving you crazy, teaching me things about life. Letting me borrow your shirts because your great taste in clothes.
Most importantly for your love.
I love you, miss you and will always be praying for you.
Love you Brother!
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