The first person to have ever served as mayor for the City of Palmdale has sadly passed away. Larry Chimbole died Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the age of 96.
“Not only have we lost one of our city’s founders and first mayor, but a dear, dear friend,” Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford said. “Words cannot adequately express our sorrow and our thanks to Larry for a lifetime of service, dedication, devotion and love for the citizens of Palmdale and the greater Antelope Valley. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Chimbole was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1919 and graduated from Stamford High School. He served as a B-29 radio operator in the Army Air Corps during World War II before settling in Southern California. He moved from the San Fernando Valley to Palmdale in 1957 where he immediately became immersed in local politics.
Chimbole became president of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce in 1961 and helped spearhead the city’s incorporation in the following year. In 1962, he became the city’s first mayor. During his tenure, he was credited with bringing the Lockheed assembly plant to the Antelope Valley. He sat on the city council for 12 years and served on the state Assembly from 1974 to 1978. While on the city council, he also served as President of the California Contract Cities Association and as President of the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities. Even after leaving office, Chimbole remained highly active in his community.
Chimbole is survived by his son Stephen (Teresa), his daughter Patricia Bollman (Bill), as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held November 17 and 18.
Read more about the life of Larry Chimbole here.
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