Gregory Joseph "Greg" Isaac

Gregory Joseph Isaac

Beloved husband, father, Papa and brother passed from this life to the next on June 4, 2025. Born April 29, 1957 in Danbury, Connecticut to Walt and Marie Isaac, Greg was the third child of what later came to be known as "Walt's six-pack." Greg was a natural athlete, playing hockey for McQuaid High School, on frozen ponds, and in the family kitchen, using the trestle table as a backstop for knee hockey. Following his high school graduation, Greg headed to Denver University where he "learned to study" at the library with his Beta brothers, studied business and, most significantly, met Janet Gardner, the love of his life. They married in 1982 and settled in Orange County, CA where Greg joined his father-in-law Ollie in running Foam Pro Manufacturing. Affable and astute, Ollie was a wonderful mentor to Greg; his favorite adage was "Life's a cinch by the inch, but hard by the yard." Greg threw himself wholeheartedly into the business, expanding their product line, employing new marketing strategies, attending annual trade shows across the country, and optimizing their manufacturing.

During those hectic early years, Greg and Janet were blessed with four amazing children: Amy (Coleman) Bessert, Casey (Lexy Monaco), Maggie (John Michael) Davis and Caroline (Doug Dunbar). Janet held down the fort while Greg traveled for work, no easy feat with four rambunctious children! There were many happy times at the beach at Monarch Bay with Janet's parents, Ollie and Marilyn, brothers Vance and Jeff, their wives Carol and Emily and numerous nieces and nephews. Over the years, Greg's siblings Janet (Tony) Olexy, Joyce (Tom) Kelliher, Walt (Darlene), Patty (Dennis) Tario and Paul (Barb) arrived en masse for vacations, graduations, and weddings at Greg's continual invitation. Janet and Greg's blessings multiplied with the arrival of grandchildren: Landen, Hudson, Adelyn and Aubrey (Bessert), Sage and West (Davis). They were his pride and joy, often piled in his lap like playful puppies. The Isaac family shared so many happy times together, laughing, living, loving-always asking others to join them in the fun.

Greg loved the water and boating, particularly on Lake Mead and Conesus Lake. He was famous for running boats into sandbars while vacationing with Janet's family at Lake Mead. And during annual visits to NY, Uncle Greg spent hours towing tubers and pulling water-skiers and wakeboarders around the lake. "Inappropriate" Uncle Greg was a terrible tease, creator of nicknames and a great practical joker. He loved baseball games and hockey, frequently challenging family members to wagers on playoff games. His lengthy father-of-the-bride speeches were the stuff of legends for both their entertainment value and emotional impact. He was most likely musing about the next one, following Caroline and Doug's recent engagement.

There were losses and tough times, too. Marilyn. Ollie. Julia. Marie. Walt. Challenges with the business, losing a major account and building back up-launching on Amazon, landing new clients. These trials, however, led Greg to a deeper, transformative faith in God. He often spoke of his men's bible study and his brother-in-law Vance's testimony of God's faithfulness in difficult times. Almost every call, email or text sent to his siblings closed with "We are so blessed." And when his granddaughter Sage needed an emergency bone marrow transplant, Greg mobilized an army of prayer warriors on her behalf, praising God for the miracle of a perfect match with her little brother West.

Greg's death leaves a hole in many hearts that can never be filled. Fortunately, he leaves behind a mountain of memories for those who knew and loved him to relive and rejoice in. Though his life was cut short, Greg's legacy will live on through his beautiful wife and family, and in all who were blessed to know him.

All are invited to attend a celebration of Greg's life at 12pm Friday, July 18 th at Rock Harbor Church, 345 Fischer Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Those wishing to honor Greg's memory may donate to NMDP (Be the Match) or sign up to be a match at giving.nmdp.org