Greg Zall

1957 - 2023

Greg Zall
Gregory Leon Zall died peacefully at his home in Sonoma, California after a brief illness. He was born September 27, 1957 in Long Beach California to Leon and Terrie Zall. He is survived by his husband David Leyva, brother Mark Zall, niece Madeleine Zall, nephew Jakob Zall, great niece Iris Carter, great nephew Arlo Carter, lifelong friend, Nancy Aiona; shop partners Gordon Mandeno and Mark Tindley ; and faithful companion Bernie Sanders-Leyva-Zall.
For over thirty-five years Greg worked as a woodworker, furniture builder and marquetry expert. He was a graduate of the College of The Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program, now known as The Krenov School of Fine Woodworking. Mentor and master furniture maker James Krenov featured Greg's work in his books, With Wakened Hands and Leave Fingerprints. Some of Greg's closest friends and colleagues were alumni and instructors from the school.
Greg set up shop in his beloved converted barn in Petaluma, California. He grew an extensive list of Bay area clients and projects. His work has been featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine, Metropolitan Home and in the February of 2023 issue of Architectural Digest. Greg was proudest of the work done on several synagogues that featured his signature marquetry ornamentation. His large-scale public projects include Congregation Shomrei Torah, Stanford University Hillil Student Union, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, and Congregation B'nai Israel. As a woodworking and marquetry instructor he passed on his love of craft to professionals and amateur woodworkers alike. He was a proud member of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association. In September of 2022, he co-founded The Two Rock School of Woodworking.
Arrangements for a celebration of Greg's life will be announced at a later date. His family asks, if you are so moved, donations to The Krenov Foundation may be made in his memory.