Barry Del Buono

Barry Del Buono passed away on December 26 in San Francisco surrounded by family and loved ones. Raised in a large Italian family in San Francisco, Barry dedicated his life to service—first as a Roman Catholic priest ordained in 1976 in the Diocese of San Jose, and later as a social worker after earning his master’s degree from San Jose State University.

He co-founded Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen in San Jose in 1980 and went on to lead EHC LifeBuilders, where his tireless advocacy helped transform the region’s response to homelessness. He has dedicated nearly the last two decades to his community as Professor of Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration at San Jose City College. For more than forty years, Barry expanded programs and partnerships that provided shelter, housing, and supportive services for thousands of neighbors in need, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion, persistence, and practical impact.

Barry is survived by his wife, Maile, his children, Micah Del Buono (wife Cynthia), Ben Del Buono (wife Marissa), Don Ho (wife Ashley), Daniel Ho, Catherine Ho, niece Brittany Stone, nephew Matthew Del Buono, niece MaryAnne Del Buono, and grandchildren Noah, Victoria, Mateo, Owen, Kristina, Wilder, and Cassian. Barry is preceded in death by his father, Robert Del Buono, his mother, Rita Del Buono, and sisters, Barbara Hales and Beverlie Terra.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Barry Del Buono Family Fund at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation here.