The namesake of San Jose’s Diridon Station and the “father of modern transit” in Santa Clara County Rod Diridon has died.
Diridon died on Friday. He had a long career in public service, dating back to 1979, when he was first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and the county’s Transit Board.
He served as chairman on seven rail project boards, including Caltrain and the Guadalupe Corridor Light Rail Project, and had a number of other transportation roles and titles.
VTA released a statement Friday reading, in part:
“For more than 50 years, Rod advocated for expanded, equitable transit, helping shape the systems our communities depend on today. We are grateful for his lasting contributions and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his work.”
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren also released a statement in response to the news, which reads:
“Rod and I served for years together on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. The son of Italian immigrants and ‘the father of modern transit’ in Santa Clara County, his decades of public service have made a lasting impact on our community. Anytime we pass by Diridon Station in San Jose or enjoy California’s light-rail system, we should remember the man who dedicated his life to improving our area’s infrastructure and serving the common good. I’m thankful for the time I got to spend with Rod, and my thoughts are with the Diridon family.”
