Pleasanton Honors Late Mayor Tom Pico

Residents of Pleasanton, California, will see flags at the Civic Center lowered to half-staff on Friday, Nov. 13, to mark the passing of former Mayor Tom Pico.

Pico, who served on the City Council for 12 years, died on Oct. 8 at the age of 82. The city announced the news and scheduled the flag-lowering ceremony for the day of his memorial service.

Born in Maui, Hawaii, in 1944, Pico moved to Contra Costa County at age six. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1961 and later became the first member of his family to earn a four-year degree from San Francisco State University. He served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant stationed at Fort Ord, California, receiving the Army Commendation Medal before his honorable discharge in 1969. Pico earned an MBA in taxation from Golden Gate University and worked as a certified public accountant for 22 years until retiring in 2016.

Pico moved to Pleasanton in the 1980s and joined the City Council in 1992. He served on the council until 2000 and held two terms as mayor from 2000 to 2004. During his time in office, he helped pass balanced growth measures, fund public broadcasts of city meetings, and restore the Pleasanton Veteran’s Memorial Building. He also focused on preserving open space and expanding parks throughout the city.

Mayor Jack Balch noted that Pico continued to care for the 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,” Balch said. Interim City Manager Joe Calabrigo described Pico as a dedicated public servant known for his integrity. “His service continues to benefit Pleasanton today,” Calabrigo stated.

Pico is survived by four children, two sisters, and six grandchildren. A celebration of life and reception is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Pleasanton Masonic Center.