Gregory Spitz

Gregory "Greg" Allen Spitz, 71, of Sacramento, California, passed away peacefully in his Tyler, Texas home on August 23, 2025, after a long and courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born May 16, 1954, in Sacramento, California, Greg was the son of Bobbe Rae Rattenbury Spitz Nash and Victor Charles Spitz, Jr. He attended Cordova Gardens Elementary School, Mills Junior High, and graduated from Cordova Senior High School, where he was a member of the swim and dive teams.

Greg is survived by his loving wife Celeste Van Alstyne-Spitz and their son, Jason Van Alstyne Spitz, who is currently a Catholic Seminarian in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas. Greg is also survived by his first wife, Janie Desmond Ison, and their three children: Jessica Louise Spitz Biller (Beau Biller), Madeline Marie Spitz, and Adam Joseph Drought Spitz (Colleen Spitz). He leaves behind his siblings: Randy Spitz (Lauren), Steven Spitz, and Sheri Spitz; stepchildren Amber Van Alstyne and Matthew McVey; and grandchildren Jackson Gregory Biller, Georgia Jane Biller, Alexis Dunbar, Trinity Dunbar, and Aiden Crane, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Greg's Catholic faith was a source of strength and comfort - especially during his battle with Parkinson's. His faith was the center of his life. Greg attended daily mass for many years and received every sacrament available to him. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, consecrating his children, his marriage, and his life to her care. He offered his suffering for his children and those he loved. This gave him great consolation as he endured his illness. He instilled in his family the importance of faith, perseverance, and compassion - values that will continue to guide them.

Greg turned his passion for craftsmanship and creativity into an established and respected career as a contractor. As the proud owner of Greg Spitz Construction, he designed and built custom homes throughout the Sacramento area, leaving behind a legacy of quality and artistry.

If he wasn't on a construction site, Greg was on the water. He loved sailing- a passion that brought him joy and peace throughout his life. He will be remembered for his adventurous (and sometimes daredevil) spirit and for always hearing the mountains calling. His endless energy was contagious and fueled all his adventures. He shared his love of skiing, camping, and exploring with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the freedom, wonder, and deep value of connecting with nature.

Greg's kindness extended beyond his family and friends. His humility, warmth, and authenticity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His trust in God is his legacy. His infectious smile and laughter will live on in the many lives he touched.

A Rosary will be said for Greg at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church in Tyler, Texas on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass and Burial Service will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Heaven in Malakoff, Texas. A Memorial Mass will be offered at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Carmichael, California on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to: Diocese of Tyler, Seminarian Fund
Attn: Danny Elzner, 1015 E SE Loop 323, Tyler Tx. 75701 - delzner@dioceseoftyler.org.