Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-14

HONORING RODNEY "ROD" DIRIDON, SR.

ImmigrationEnvironmentDefenseTradeVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-14, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RODNEY "ROD" DIRIDON, SR." in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered the environment, defense.

Full Text

HONORING RODNEY "ROD" DIRIDON, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING RODNEY "ROD" DIRIDON, SR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [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. ____________________