Former Pleasanton Mayor Tom Pico Dies At 82

PLEASANTON, CA — Tom Pico, a former Pleasanton mayor and city councilmember, died Oct. 8 at the age of 82, the city announced. The Pleasanton City Council adjourned its Oct. 20 meeting in his memory, and the city said it will lower the flags at the Civic Center to half-staff on Friday, Nov. 13, the day of Pico’s memorial service.

Pico was born Jan. 19, 1944 in Maui, Hawaii, where he lived until his family relocated to Contra Costa County when he was six, according to his obituary. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1961, and became the first in his family to graduate from a four-year college when he graduated from San Francisco State University. He was inducted into the US Army in 1966, and served as a second lieutenant stationed at Fort Ord, California. He received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service, and was honorably discharged in 1969. He then earned an MBA in taxation from Golden Gate University, and became a certified public accountant. His career was in corporate finance and accounting, and he operated a tax accounting business for 22 years until he retired in 2016.

Pico moved to Pleasanton in the 1980s, and served on the City Council from 1992 to 2000, and two terms as mayor from 2000 to 2004. His accomplishments included passing balanced growth measures, funding the broadcast of public meetings, restoring the Pleasanton Veteran’s Memorial Building, and preserving open space throughout the city.

“Tom devoted many years to serving Pleasanton on the City Council and as mayor, and continued caring for our community long after leaving office. His work to preserve our open spaces, protect Pleasanton’s character, and expand our parks left a lasting mark on the city we call home. As mayor, I’m grateful for his service and the care he brought to decisions that would shape Pleasanton for generations,” Mayor Jack Balch said on Facebook.

“Former Mayor and Councilmember Tom Pico was a dedicated public servant who gave 12 years of leadership to the City of Pleasanton,” interim City Manager Joe Calabrigo said in a statement. “He was known for his integrity and his deep commitment to this community, and his service continues to benefit Pleasanton today. On behalf of the City, we extend our sincere condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and loved ones. We honor his memory in gratitude for his service to our community.”

Pico is survived by his four children, two sisters, and six grandchildren.

A celebration of life and reception will be held at 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Pleasanton Masonic Center.