Barry Del Buono, a prominent figure in San Jose’s nonprofit community, passed away on December 26, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. At the age of 74, Del Buono left a legacy as a former priest, devoted husband, father, and dedicated advocate for the homeless. His commitment to improving the lives of others marked his career and personal life.
Del Buono’s family emphasized that his influence extended beyond homelessness. His son, Don Ho, remarked, “Barry’s arc was not just the homeless. It was improving the livelihoods of people.” This mission resonated throughout his tenure in various roles, including his significant contributions to organizations like Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, which he co-founded in 1980, and EHC LifeBuilders, now known as HomeFirst. Under his leadership, EHC LifeBuilders expanded its annual budget from a mere $17,000 to nearly $10 million before his retirement in 2007.
U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo, a longtime acquaintance of Del Buono, described him as embodying “chutzpah and deep commitment to his mission.” Liccardo, who served as San Jose’s mayor, stated, “Whether he wore a collar or not, he understood who he was serving. Certainly, his passion for tackling homelessness became infectious.” Del Buono’s efforts significantly impacted the community, leaving a mark on countless lives.
A memorial service will take place on January 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica in downtown San Jose. Although Del Buono often shunned the spotlight, his family illustrated the profound impact he had within the nonprofit sector. His son, Ben Del Buono, witnessed his father’s dedication firsthand, whether it was serving meals or participating in fundraising events alongside influential community members.
Reflecting on his father’s approach, Ben shared, “Throughout all of this, my dad didn’t have to talk much about what he did. He showed us, through our own experiences and in the impact his work had on Silicon Valley.” Del Buono’s commitment to social justice did not overshadow his role as a family man. He coached football, despite not being particularly fond of sports, and cherished large family gatherings with his five children and seven grandchildren.
In his mid-50s, Del Buono entered a new chapter of his life. He met his second wife, Maile Ho, at an American Leadership Forum retreat. Encouraged by her, he embraced teaching and became an associate faculty member in sociology at San Jose City College. Even during his final hospital stay in December, Del Buono focused on his students, insisting on giving everyone an A, stating, “They don’t need food and they don’t need shelter. But they need the grades.”
His last project combined his passions for housing and education. Del Buono was developing a plan to construct teacher housing for the San Jose Evergreen Community College District at Evergreen Valley College. His son Don hopes this initiative will serve as a lasting tribute to his father’s commitment to community service. Maile Ho summarized Del Buono’s essence: “Barry was the consummate giver. Even if he didn’t have anything to give, he still gave.”
