Rod Diridon Sr., former Santa Clara Co. Supervisor known as 'father of modern transit,' dies at 87

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- After a lifetime of public service, Rod Diridon Sr., the longtime Santa Clara County supervisor, has passed away. He was 87.

"People will always know the Diridon name, even if they can't associate exactly why," said Ken Yeager.

Yeager also served on the Board of Supervisors and knew Diridon for decades.

He says after being elected in the 1970s, Diridon helped fundamentally change the Santa Clara County Board by making it more progressive.

"Before then, everyone was Republican. Everyone was conservative. And when Rod got on, they really then began to change the whole dynamic of the Board of Supervisors to what it really is today," said Yeager.

Diridon was a fierce advocate for many minority communities, including LGBTQ people.

But he is perhaps best known for investing in public transit in the South Bay.

"When they say he's the 'father of modern transit' in Silicon Valley, that truly describes his contributions to the county," said Gonot.

VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot says Diridon helped create her organization's light-rail system.

He also served on the state's High-Speed Rail Authority, and was executive director for the Mineta Transportation Institute.

"He had a really devout passion for transportation and what it should be. Not just within our communities but regionally and then nationally," said Gonot.

After he retired from public office, San Jose Diridon Station was named in his honor.

Diridon continued to be active in various projects around Santa Clara County.

And for those who knew him best, his passing is a loss not just for them personally, but for everyone in the Bay Area.

"How do you thank someone who contributed so much of his life to making things better for everybody. And so, it is sad," said Yeager.