Diridon, Rod, 1939-

Rodney John Diridon was born in Dunsmuir, California in 1939 to Claude and Rhoda Diridon. Diridon graduated from Dunsmuir Joint Union High School in 1957. From 1956 through 1963, he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad while completing a BS in Accounting and Finance and his MS in Business Administration from San Jose State University. From 1963 to 1967 he served in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Officer and Combat Duty Officer in Vietnam. He married Mary Ann Fudge on July 4, 1964 and raised two children, Rodney Jr. born September 10 1969, and Mary Margaret, born September 14, 1971. In June 10, 2001 he married Dr. Gloria Duffy. In 1969, Diridon founded the Diridon Research Corporation, later renamed Decision Research Institute (DRI) in 1972. DRI conducted market research, needs assessment surveys and legislative consulting throughout the United States. This company was sold in 1976. Diridon became the youngest person ever elected to the Saratoga City Council in 1972. He held this position until 1975. He went on to served six terms in office as chairperson of both the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and the Santa Clara District Transit Board from 1979, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1994.

From the description of Rod Diridon papers, 1967-1994. (San Jose Public Library). WorldCat record id: 33326340

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