[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING RODNEY ``ROD'' DIRIDON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2026

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues Representative 
Ro Khanna. Representative Jimmy Panetta, and Representative Sam 
Liccardo representing Santa Clara County, I rise to honor the life and 
legacy of Rod Diridon, Sr. of San Jose, California, a devoted public 
servant whose impact on the Santa Clara Valley will last for 
generations.
  Mr. Diridon was born and raised in northern California before 
attending San Jose State University. He later attended Naval Officer 
Candidate School and served two combat tours in Vietnam. Following his 
military service, Diridon returned to California and was elected in 
1973 as the youngest-ever member of the Saratoga City Council. From 
1975 to 1995, he served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, 
including six terms as Chair.
  Even after his career in public service, Mr. Diridon remained 
committed to improving the quality of life for others through 
transportation and regional planning. He chaired the American Public 
Transit Association (APTA) in 1992, and Governor Gray Davis appointed 
Mr. Diridon to the California High Speed Rail Authority in 2000.
  Mr. Diridon's work emphasized sustainability, regional cooperation, 
and the importance of accessible public transportation in everyday 
life. Working closely with the Honorable Norman Mineta through the 
Norman Mineta Transit Institute, Mr. Diridon led the institute and 
helped advance a shared vision for modern, integrated transit systems 
such as light rail development, Caltrain improvements, and the 
expansion of BART into Silicon Valley. Under his leadership, he was 
able to work with both the U.S. Department of Transportation and 
California Department of Transportation to identify research priorities 
on transit system security, transportation financing, and land use 
policies related to transportation. Mr. Diridon's vision consistently 
highlighted the connection between transportation, environmental 
responsibility, and connecting community.
  He was also deeply rooted in family life, which remained an important 
part of his personal and professional journey. The son of Italian 
immigrants, Mr. Diridon was married to Dr. Gloria Duffy, a national 
leader in public policy. He was the father of two children, Rod Jr. and 
Mary Margaret, and a grandfather of four. His family shares and carries 
the same commitment to civic engagement that defined his life and 
career.
  Rod Diridon, Sr. helped bridge generations of leadership and redefine 
how communities approach mobility and growth. His forward-thinking 
vision and dedication to public service have and continue to leave a 
lasting impact on the region and beyond. His legacy of leadership, 
innovation, and commitment to the public good will be remembered with 
deep gratitude.

                          ____________________