Rev. Paul Locatelli

On Monday, Silicon Valley lost a giant. Father Paul Locatelli, former President of Santa Clara University, passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old.

Paul turned an inward-focused institution into a community-focused University that taught students to be both educated and ethical. In a Valley filled with smart people, Father Locatelli was both smart – and wise.

Paul was a giant – not because he towered over others, but because he lowered himself to lift others up.

He served on my Board of Directors at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group for nearly a decade, joining 27 of Silicon Valley’s top tech CEOs. When Paul spoke, we all listened. He served as our champion for the BART Extension, and several education initiatives. He was a dear friend and cherished mentor.

He lived his life based on the shortest of scriptures, from the Old Testament book called Micah – “And what does your God require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Today, Father Paul Locatelli walks humbly with his God, and we are all the better for having known him.