Marilyn “Merl” Craft, Former Pittsburg Mayor and Community Advocate, Dies at 72

A Life of Dedicated Public Service

Marilyn “Merl” Craft, a lifelong resident of Pittsburg, California, and a prominent figure in local government, passed away on 2026-10-26 at the age of 72. Known to her community simply as Merl, she served the city for decades as a recreation supervisor, city councilmember, and mayor. Her death was confirmed by multiple local reports, including the City of Pittsburg and the East Bay Times, which noted her passing occurred on October 26.

Born in May 1954, Craft spent her entire life in the Pittsburg area, where she became a fixture of civic engagement. She was widely recognized for her commitment to the underdog and her belief that every individual deserved a path to a better life. Her career was defined by a consistent effort to bridge gaps between government, faith-based organizations, and the residents she served.

Career and Community Accomplishments

Before entering the political arena, Craft dedicated 35 years of her life to working for the City of Pittsburg. She served as a recreation supervisor, a role that allowed her to mentor hundreds of young people at the Marina Community Center. Her colleagues and community members often described her as a mother figure who provided guidance and support to those who frequented the city’s leisure programs.

Following her long tenure as a city employee, Craft transitioned into elected office, serving two terms on the Pittsburg City Council. During her time on the council, she was a vocal advocate for infrastructure and social investments, including the development of the Pittsburg Dream Courts and the Pittsburg Senior Center. She also served on the board of Tri Delta Transit, where she was remembered by agency officials as a hometown hero who contributed significantly to the eastern Contra Costa County region.

Notable Works and Advocacy

Craft’s commitment to social progress led her to found Open Opportunities, a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring and career training. Through this organization, she established the Future Build Pre-Apprentice Training Program, which achieved a success rate of placing more than 90 percent of its graduates into jobs. This initiative was a cornerstone of her legacy, reflecting her focus on providing tangible economic pathways for young adults.

Beyond her work in workforce development, Craft was a determined advocate for women in the building trades. She actively encouraged women to pursue careers in fields where they were historically underrepresented and supported other women in their bids for elected office. Her mentorship of current leaders, such as Councilmember Scales-Preston, remains a testament to her influence on the future of local governance.

Personal Life and Legacy

Craft is survived by her husband, her children, including her daughter Kolette Simonton, and her grandchildren. Her family has shared that her love for them extended to the entire community, as she frequently embraced friends and neighbors as part of her extended family. She was remembered by Mayor Dionne Adams as someone who poured her love for the city into every aspect of her public service.

The City of Pittsburg has honored her memory by lowering flags at City Hall and city facilities to half-staff. A city council meeting scheduled for November 2, 2026, was designated to be adjourned in her memory to recognize her decades of service. Her legacy continues through the many community programs she championed and the generations of residents she mentored throughout her long career.