Craig Paul Schoenthaler

Craig Schoenthaler 8/13/56 - 1/19/25 left us peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and sister, Dr. Robin Schoenthaler. In his final days, he enjoyed a two-week “Craig” celebration, supported by East Bay Hospice and his family that was filled with all his favorite foods, songs, dancing, storytelling and so much laughter. Craig was a man who believed life was about making memories—and we sure made plenty of them.

He served in the Navy for seven years, a chapter of his life that took him and his wife, Vicki, to Guam, where they spent three years while he served aboard the aircraft carrier Enterprise. Craig loved to be on the water. Whether it was on his boat, Treading Water (named after his beloved business, The Tred Shed), or on a cruise ship, Craig was always headed somewhere new.

Craig's successful family business, The Tred Shed, became an integral part of the Pittsburg community. His passion for helping others, combined with his wealth of tire knowledge, earned him great respect and recognition. He served as the President of the California Tire Dealers Association and The Tire Pros for many years, where his leadership and expertise shaped the industry inspired many automotive industry workers.

Not just a businessman; he was also deeply involved in his community. A Cub Scout leader, a Little League supporter and a longtime member of the Pittsburg Yacht Club (over 20 years) and Pittsburg Elks Lodge. Craig and his family enjoyed hosting the annual St. Patrick’s Day dinners at the Yacht Club which sold out every year. It’s safe to say no one went hungry or thirsty at one of Craig’s feasts. And he always ended the party with a great speech!

He loved road trips with the Diablo Caravaners RV Club in his “land yacht”—an RV that was his second home. He, Vicki and their pups Sally Sue and Lucy Lu traveled to all 49 states, showing that no road was too long when there was a new memory to be made.

Above all, Craig was devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 49 years, Vicki; his five children, Lani Rygg (Tim), Kyle (Katie), Jess (Macy), Jillian Gehling (Steven), and Travis (Alex); and his nine grandchildren, Kaylin, Kyle Jr., Tanner, Colton, Brentley, Jaxon, Jesse, Desmond, and Delilah. They were all his greatest joy, and they all adored him and his goofy one liners. Craig may be gone, but his memory lives on in every family gathering, every cruise, camping trip, and every family meal. He may have left us, but as he always said, he was just making one more memory.

Here’s to Craig, a man who loved life and made sure the people around him did too. He will be missed by many, but his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on forever. Safe travels, Craig.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to East Bay Hospice, whose compassionate care supported Craig in his final days.