Gregory Leo Aweau, born September 5, 1956, worked in the entertainment industry as a stage technician (lighting, sound, rigging, special effects and stage management) from Huntsville, Alabama all the way to the Hawaiian Islands under Local 665 I.A.T.S.E (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees). 

His gregarious personality drew many people into his sphere, even after retirement. Embracing his Hawaiian roots, he not only taught ukulele at the Senior Center and The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, but hosted The Ukulele Club at Calhoun College on Thursday nights, and organized the 2018 and 2019 Rocket City Ukulele Festivals along with Keith Fukumitsu. After COVID, he redirected his talent, becoming a woodcrafter and laser engraver in the Senior Center Woodshop where he created works of art, stringed instruments, made memories and, of course, more friends.

Gregory is survived by his son Jamison Jonathon Aweau (Monique Adelene-Sison Aweau); longtime partner Catherine S. "Kate" Torres; cousin Jeffrey Blackwell, whom he called his brother; sister Marilyn Aweau Bailey (Larry); as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins both in Alabama and Hawaii. 

Gregory adored his years working in Hawaii on the major islands such as Kauai, Maui (including Lanai), and The Big Island. He waxed especially nostalgic about Oahu – career-wise, for family connections (his father was one of twenty-two children so Gregory found his home in an abundance of Hawaiian cousins), friendships and fun in Honolulu as well as his experiences in Kaneohe, where he had many ancestors. Some of his cousins are renown island/international musicians, including Nathan Aweau, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, and Willie K. Greg became an acquaintance of Don Ho’s mother “Honey” whom he talked story with in the Kaneohe neighborhood and in the nightclub she and her husband opened, where Don Ho had launched his career.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Kane Aweau and Georgia Blackwell Aweau along with two brothers, David Kane Aweau and Michael B. Aweau.

Gregory will be missed. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who supported him through the dire circumstances and difficulties of his last year.

There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony on Friday, 24 July 2026 from 10:00 AM to noon in the Woodshop of the Huntsville Senior Center (Studio 60), 2200 Drake Avenue SW as well as a Traditional Hawaiian Ceremony officiated by his cousin, Larry Agres, a Kahuna Pule, in August or September 2026 on Oahu.

Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.