Gregory Young

Gregory James Young passed away peacefully on July 27, 2022 of cancer with his family by his side. He was born in Oakland, CA to Joseph and Doris Young (Griffin). He leaves behind his wife Carol McMackin, son Brendan Young, sister Patricia Young and many inlaws and wonderful friends who loved him dearly. Greg worked at the University of California San Francisco in financial analysis and contracting, then later as Director, Hospital Contracting Modeling & Revenue for a total of 35 years. He received his Masters’ degree in health administration from the University of Washington and a second Masters’ degree in theatre from San Francisco State University. In his early years he worked professionally as an artist-in-residence at Mills

College, and later turned to directing and mentoring other actors around the Bay Area. Two of his favorite roles were as the Marquis de Sade in Peter Weiss’ “Marat/ Sade” and Buffalo Bill in the west coast premiere of Arthur Kopit’s Tony-awardwinning “Indians” in a performance that garnered critical acclaim.

Along with his business and artistic ventures, Greg had numerous interests in carpentry, architecture, literature and travel. Travel was one of his deepest joys, visiting and appreciating cultures the world over, but he was equally happy to be hiking and backpacking in the woods of California. He marveled at the wonder of each country, both the people and the land. He was the epitome of a renaissance man.

He was generous of spirit with his ability to mentor others, especially in theatre. His storytelling captured everyone, aided by his enthusiasm and his impromptu use of a seemingly endless number of accents. We’ll never forget his Halloween imagining of Mad-Eye Moody: he crafted the costume all on his own, had a limp, hump and marvelous voice, all the while showcasing his wonderful wit. His silliness was fueled by his love of the absurd, which made an imprint on the many people who knew him.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, 1:00pm at St. Brendan’s Church, 29 Rockaway Ave., in San Francisco. Donations may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society or the charity of your choice on his behalf.