Samuel "Sam" Kraynek

Samuel Kraynek devoted family man, and respected business leader, passed away on September 18th 2025. Born August of 1947 and raised in Monessen Pennsylvania, Sam lived with his mother Nellie, father Samuel, and sisters Carolyn and Marie. Sam developed dedication to family and his work ethic from an early age, delivering papers and working in his uncle's grocery store. Sam pursued higher education at St. Francis College. Sam excelled in college, lettering in soccer, organizing high school championships and pledging a fraternity while majoring in accounting. Following college, he moved to Cleveland where he started out in public accounting. From there his professional journey took him to several locations including Chicago, Arizona, Massachusetts, and finally California where he worked with several different companies in food operations and management. Over the course of several decades, he advanced through leadership positions, ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer prior to his retirement. Colleagues valued his steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders in the industry. Family was always at the center of Sam's life. In 1972 he met his wife Ginger whom he married in 1975. They recently celebrated their 50 th anniversary. Together they raised two sons, Christopher, and Stephen, who brought him immense pride and joy. He coached them in soccer and baseball passing on his knowledge and love for the game to them and others. His greatest happiness came from being a grandfather to four grandchildren, whose lives he enriched with his constant presence, encouragement, and warmth. His family remembers him as a steady source of love, wisdom, and humor, whose influence will be felt for generations. In 1997, Sam and Ginger relocated to the Mendocino coast, where they made their home for the past 28 years. Sam worked first at a local coffee roaster, before moving on to work for North Coast Brewing in 2013. He first served as their controller before moving up to COO, CFO, and ultimately CEO before retiring. In addition to his professional endeavors in Mendocino, he was deeply committed to his community; serving on the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce, The Mendocino Sewer and Water board, and was the Treasurer for St. Anthony's Church. He believed strongly in giving back and worked tirelessly to strengthen the organizations and initiatives that helped shape the place he called home. In 2020 he retired to enjoy a simpler life. He spent a lot of his time at soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and softball games cheering his grandchildren on. When he could not make it in person, he would watch them remotely from his living room. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life listening to jazz, sharing stories with friends, and spending quiet moments by the coast. Services will be held at the Sequoia Room of North Coast Brewing on October 18 th at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any charity you feel is fitting of his legacy.