Rod Diridon Sr., an American politician and longtime leader in mass transportation, died on April 3, 2026, at age 87.
He served as chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority from 2001 to 2003 and also chaired the advisory board of the United States High Speed Rail Association and the National Heritage Area Project for Santa Clara County, California. Diridon was known for his work in the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and for his involvement in environmental issues, the arts and culture, higher education, community organizations, and philanthropy in Silicon Valley.
Rodney John Diridon Sr. (February 8, 1939 – April 3, 2026) was an American politician known for his leadership in mass transportation. He served as chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority from 2001 to 2003. He chaired the advisory board of the United States High Speed Rail Association, and he chaired the National Heritage Area Project for Santa Clara County, California. The New York Times calls Diridon “a tireless advocate of public transport for the Bay Area.”